Life After 50 September 2016

LOS ANGELES METRO SEPTEMBER 2016

southern california

lifeafter50.com

RETIRING AMERICANS

Are Embracing Mexico

AGING-IN-PLACE

is best addressed sooner rather than later

Hal Linden

A Chat With The “Barney Miller” Star

Meet the man behind the anchor desk of “NBC Nightly News with

Lester Holt

”

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Contents

September 2016

10

26

30

Cover Profile

Departments

10 Lester Holt

6 50-Plus: What You Need to Know

Meet the man behind the anchor desk of “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.”

A quick look at things 50-plusers should be aware of.

Features

The best in September television viewing.

32 Tuned In To What’s On

34 Let’s Get Out

18 Living Life South Of The Border

Looking to get out and about? Our September/October calendar has some great suggestions.

Once a vacation destination, some retiring Americans are embracing Mexico as home.

38 Rick Steves’ Travels

22 Should You Stay Or Should You Go?

Crawling into the comfort of Europe’s pubs and cafes.

“Aging-in-place” is a phrase best addressed sooner rather than later.

26 The Look Of Life After 50 – Hal Linden

The star of “Barney Miller”on his most iconic role, aging, and much more.

30 The Hallowed Hall Of Must-Knowtables – Edward R. Murrow Legendary notables that everyone, of every age, should know.

38

42 And Finally…The Bookworm’s Best, A Look Back and Just A Thought Before We Go

A book suggestion, memory, and a little something to leave you with.

Cover photo courtesy of NBC News

All material published within this issue of Life After 50 and on www.lifeafter50.com is strictly for informational and educational purposes only. No individual, advice, product or service is in any way endorsed by Life After 50 or Southland Publishing, Inc. or provided as a substitute for the reader’s seeking of individualized professional advice or instruction. Readers should seek the advice of qualified professionals on any matter regarding an individual, advice, recommendations, services or products covered within this issue. All information and material is provided to readers with the understanding that it comes from various sources from which there is no warranty or responsibility by Life After 50 or Southland Publishing, Inc. as to its or their legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

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Editor’s Note...

What If…

Publisher Valarie Anderson

T

his space usually includes a photo of the individuals we are featuring in the issue. This month, we only have a photo of actor Hal Linden, although the reason for excluding NBC anchorman Lester Holt is not because we didn’t try.

“I’m a reporter at heart,” said Holt, who proceeded to make good on that statement by having to cancel out on a photo shoot with me – twice. Our first scheduled appointment was canceled literally as I sat waiting to meet with him in 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the New York building that houses NBC News. A sniper had shot and killed five police officers in Dallas and the decision was made to get Holt on a plane headed for Texas right away. One week later, with another appointment scheduled, the cancellation call came as I was making my way into New York City to meet with him. Due to the Bastille Day truck attack in Nice, Holt’s morning trek to 30 Rock had been diverted to the airport and then on to France.

“It’s hard to make plans in this job, because you never know what any moment may bring when something breaks somewhere in the world,” Holt told me. “That’s the nature of news, and because I’m a reporter at heart, I like to be on the big stories.”

There are some, perhaps, who may have found those cancellations of plans to be a great irritant. Not me. Finding myself with unexpected free time in New York, the city I grew up in, I treated myself to a wonderful time roaming around the cemetery where my family is buried, eating New York-style pizza and an Italian ice, spending time with a few old friends I haven’t seen in over 30 years, and visiting some of the hallowed haunts of my youth, including Lemon Creek on Staten Island, where I spent every summer of my childhood.

I never take the time to do those sorts of things when I’m back east for business, so although my real reason for being there fell through, it turned out to be a most treasured time I will always remember.

The following week, back home in Los Angeles, my meeting with Hal Linden proved to be a much easier-to-pin-down situation for an interview and photo shoot. Catching him during a break in rehearsal for his upcoming run in “The Fantasticks” at The Pasadena Playhouse, we talked about many things, from “Barney Miller” to his view on the state of our nation and the current presidential campaign (which he refers to as a commedia dell’arte).

Charming, witty and totally entertaining, Linden also spoke of his career and how it could have very easily never materialized. “All of our lives are ‘what if’ stories,” he told me.

As he went on to explain the serendipitous way in which he became an actor, that phrase - “what if” - burned in my brain. What if my recent trips to New York had seen me simply accomplish what my plans had called for? What if I hadn’t had all that free time to do all those things I did: roam around my old hometown, rekindle friendships and make wonderful memories?

Linden is right, I thought to myself as he continued the tale of how his career began: No matter what great plans we may make, the fact can’t be denied, our lives are truly made up of “what if” stories.

David Laurell, Editor-in-Chief

4 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

Editor-in-Chief David Laurell Associate Editors Steve Stoliar Claire Yezbak Fadden Art Director Michael Kraxenberger Editorial Assistant Max Andrews Controller Kacie Cobian Human Resources Andrea E. Baker Business Manager Linda Lam Billing Supervisor David Garcia VP Of Operations David Comden

Account Executives: San Diego County/Orange County Phil Mendelson Phil@LifeAfter50.com Travel/Los Angeles James Thomopoulos James@LifeAfter50.com For advertising/distribution inquiries contact: Valarie Anderson (310) 822-1629 x 121, Valarie@LifeAfter50.com 5301 Beethoven St., Suite 183 LA CA 90066 Valarie Anderson Valarie@LifeAfter50.com 310 822-1629 x 121

To contact our editorial department: (818) 563-1007

Follow us on facebook @Life_After50

©2016 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved

A September Thought

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50

Do Something Grand

Plus

What You Need To Know

By Claire Yezbak Fadden and Max Andrews

Meet A Legendary Love

F

rom their California roots to international fame, The Beach Boys are a unique American story. Founding member Mike Love has spent an extraordinary 55 years as the group’s lead singer and one of its principal lyricists. In his new book, “Good Vibrations: My Life as a Beach Boy” (Blue Rider Press, 2016), Love tells the story of his legendary, raucous and ultimately triumphant five-decade career. The book’s release is timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the debut of The Beach Boys’ hit song, “Good Vibrations.” Love describes the stories behind his lyrics for pop classics such as “California Girls,” “Surfin’ USA,” and “Kokomo,” while providing vivid portraits of the turbulent lives of his three gifted cousins, Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson.

For Life After 50 readers in the Los Angeles area, this month will provide you the opportunity to actually meet Love as he signs copies of his memoir on September 17 at Book Soup located at 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.

Fifty Candles

F

ifty years ago this month, numerous television shows that would go on to become classics premiered, including “The Monkees,” “That Girl” and “Star Trek.” The Beatles album “Revolver” hit number one, Donovan scored a number-one single with “Sunshine Superman” and Neil Diamond saw his name appear on the Billboard charts for the first time with “Cherry Cherry.” President Lyndon Johnson signed the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act into law. Muhammad Ali beat Karl Mildenberger in a 12-round technical knock-out to claim the World Heavyweight boxing title, and the first generation of the Chevrolet Camaro, originally name the Panther, debuted. Notable personalities born in September 1966 who are celebrating their 50th birthday this month include actresses Jill Whelan, Salma Hayek and Ruth Jones, actors Adam Sandler, Tuc Watkins and Lavan Davis, NBA player Tim Hardaway, NFL player Ken Norton, Jr., astronaut Stephanie Wilson, news anchor Soledad O’Brien and rapper Doug E. Fresh.

6 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

T

his year, Grandparents Day is celebrated on September 11. The day provides a wonderful opportunity to bring young family members and older relatives together. Celebrate this year by doing something grand, such as starting a digital journal that includes family history, stories and photos of relatives who have passed on. A project like this can incorporate every family member who can provide photos, drawings, stories, memories, poems, and even video or audio recordings of shared recollections. Be assured, this journal will become a family heirloom to be treasured from one generation to the next. For more grand ideas, click on www.grandparentsday.org.

A Treasure Trove Of Tubed Testosterone

I

n his newly released book, “Dashing, Daring, and Debonair” (Taylor Trade, 2016), television historian Herbie J Pilato dishes up profiles on 70 of television’s top male icons of the 1950s through ‘70s. The book, with a foreword by Adam West, is divided into eight parts, including “Jacks of All Trades,” such as Jack Webb, Desi Arnaz and Danny Thomas, whose talents stretched to acting, producing and directing; “Johnny Angels,” the heartthrobs like David Cassidy, Ricky Nelson and Bobby Sherman; and “The Doctors, the Defenders and the Dependables” which covers everyone from Alan Alda to Robert Young. Be they actors, comedians, singers, dancers, talk show hosts or personalities, just about every male television star of the era, from George Burns, Milton Berle and Jack Benny to Jackie Gleason, Sid Caesar and Cesar Romero is included. Pilato is the author of several books on media and celebrities and has produced for numerous television networks and film studios. He also established Television, Ink., a production company geared toward family entertainment, and The Classic TV Preservation Society, a nonprofit organization that seeks to close the gap between popular culture and education.

A Little More You Need To Know

Where You Need To Go Admire Architectural Art On The Gamble’s 50th

The Most Important Thing To Know This Month

Man Up To Save Your Life

E I

n the half-century since Pasadena’s Gamble House Museum opened, it has become one of the most beloved premier historic sites in America. On Sunday, September 25, the museum turns back the clock as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and will offer self-paced tours for just $1 admission. A series of celebratory events will also take place throughout September, culminating in the public party on the 25th that will include family activities, live musical performances and food trucks.

Hailed by the American Institute of Architects as “formulators of a new and native architecture,” Charles Sumner Greene (1868–1957) and Henry Mather Greene (1870–1954) designed houses and furnishings a century ago that established a new paradigm for the art of architecture in the United States. Visitors are immersed in what Charles Greene called “architecture as a fine art.” Drawing on the skills of outstanding craftsmen, as well as their own polytechnic training, formal architectural education, and natural artistic sensibilities, Greene and Greene created legendary living environments that were beautiful, functional and modern.

The flowering of the Greenes’ careers together was brief and typically benefited a discriminating and wealthy clientele. They produced their most characteristic work between 1906 and 1914, primarily in and around Pasadena. Of their fully coordinated houses with interior furnishings, only the Gamble House, located at 4 Westmoreland Place in Pasadena, survives intact.

For more information on the Gamble House’s 50th anniversary, call (626) 793-3334 or click on www.gamblehouse.org.

New Words You might not find all of these words in a dictionary yet, but they’re a part of the everyday American vocabulary.

Here’s what they mean.

Ear Worm: A song or jingle that gets stuck in your mind.

Equalist: A person who doesn’t discriminate against any individual, believing that everyone has the same rights.

Quarter-Life Crisis: Someone in their mid-20s who feels anxious over the direction of their life or doubtful of their life choices. A crisis of twentysomethings who wonder when or if a meaningful life, career or relationship will begin.

very year, thousands of American men die needlessly as a result of ignorance or apathy. This is because they avoid having an annual prostate exam and develop prostate cancer, a disease that, caught in its early stages, is usually highly treatable. It is for that reason the Prostate Health Council of the American Foundation for Urologic Disease has designated September as Prostate Health Month, a time to educate men, and those who love them, on prostate disease, treatment and maintaining prostate health.

Prostate problems including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate, prostatitis and cancer are extremely common. In fact, eight in ten 10 will eventually develop an enlarged prostate and one in 10 men will develop prostate cancer. Despite the prevalence of prostate disease, many men lack awareness about prostate health or are reluctant to seek treatment. This year alone, it is estimated that more than 29,000 men will die of this disease, making it the second leading cause

of cancer death of U.S. men. However, if diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent and at 10 years post diagnosis, 98 percent of men diagnosed early, remain alive.

It is important for men to learn about both non-aggressive, slow-growing forms of prostate cancer and aggressive forms of this disease through conversations with their doctors. In addition, because there has been controversy in recent years over when men should be screened for prostate cancer, there is great need for all men to learn about prostate cancer screening methods, including the drawbacks and benefits to some current screening tests.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is a leader in funding and accelerating the world’s most-promising prostate cancer research. And PCF is also a go-to organization for disseminating prostate health information to men. They offer multiple forms of information about this disease and, along with the awareness month of September, are committed to make each month of the year a time for men to stay informed, aware and involved in the fight against prostate cancer. For more information click on www.pcf.org.

September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 7

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Are you experiencing any of the following: fatigue, nausea, swelling, joint pain, bags under the eyes, bloating, cellulite, varicose veins, or difficulty with weight loss? The cause may be your lymph system!

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September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 9

COVER PROFILE

The anchor of “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” shares his views on journalism, the 2016 presidential campaign and much more

Lester Holt

By David Laurell Photos courtesy NBC News

U

nless he has been dispatched to an area of the nation or the globe that is either reveling or suffering as the momentary epicenter of the world’s attention, Lester Holt, the anchor of “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” and “Dateline NBC” begins his work day shortly after 9 a.m. as he enters one of New York’s most storied addresses: 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

I

t is in that famous Art Deco building that has housed the offices, newsrooms, technical facilities and studios of the National Broadcasting Company since 1933, that, from behind his office desk, Holt looks out on the Channel Gardens adorned with seasonally themed flora that soften the hardscape between the Prometheusguarded skating rink and Fifth Avenue.

“This is the coolest address in television,” he states, with a pride befitting his network’s iconic peacock. “Not a day goes by that I don’t walk in here and not think about the history of this building. I look out this window many times throughout the day, watching the tourists from all over the world and seeing the buzz and excitement around this place. When you think of all the history of this place, and all the broadcasts that come out of here now: ‘The Today Show,’ ‘Dateline,’ ‘The Tonight Show,’ ‘Late Night,’ it’s really an amazing place.”

The amazement of that place which harbors NBC’s rich broadcasting history and its legendary ghosts – Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Dave Garroway, Chet Huntley, David Brinkley and John Chancellor to name a few – each who did so much to influence the way Americans think and laugh and live their lives, hits Holt even harder when, eight hours after his arrival, he makes his way to Studio 3B to apprise the nation of the day’s happenings.

“When I walk through the halls on the third floor, there are video screens that flip from one image to another that shows you what was done in each studio over the years,” Holt points out. “The studio where we do ‘NBC Nightly News’ was once used for ‘The Today Show,’ back when Tom [Brokaw] and Jane Pauley were there. Every bit of this place is a real history lesson.”

Back in the early 1980s, when Brokaw and Pauley presided over “The Today Show,” and then Brokaw eventually left to take over the reins of “NBC Nightly News,” Holt, who had attended California State University, had already cut his teeth in broadcasting. Beginning his career as a reporter with WCBS in New York he then went on to do reporting and weekend anchor duties with KNXT in Los Angeles. The experience he garnered in the nation’s top two television markets then took him to Chicago for what would be a 14-year stint as a reporter and anchor at the Windy City’s CBS affiliate WBBM. Joining NBC News in 2000 as an afternoon anchor at MSNBC, Holt worked on “The Today Show,” “Dateline,” MSNBC’s “Lester Holt Live” and, in 2007, began anchoring the weekend broadcasts of “NBC Nightly News.”

In 2015, Holt replaced Brian Williams as the weekday anchor of “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt,” making him the first African-American to be the sole lead anchor on one of the three major broadcast networks’ weekday nightly newscast.

Holt and his wife Carol, who are the parents of adult sons, Stefan and Cameron, live in Manhattan, just a short distance from 30 Rock where Life After 50 recently caught up with the man who is the face of NBC News.

We began our conversation by asking him to give us an idea of what his day is like leading up to his evening broadcasts.

Lester Holt (LH): I’m usually in the office by 9 a.m. or so and at 9:30 we have a meeting where we hash over the stories we are going after, where our correspondents are, and who will be assigned to what story. That meeting is just to set the stage for the day. From then on, I’m in and out of meetings all day with producers discussing stories we are working on, planning the logistics of getting reporters or me there and back. It’s also important that I’m here and available throughout the day in case something breaks – for special reports. Then around 2:30, we really start rolling our sleeves up in a big way to determine what we’ll be including in that evening’s broadcast.

We have an editorial meeting that we call our “rundown meeting.” That is

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where we walk it all through and see, if we were to go on the air right then, what the broadcast would look like. It’s a gut check for all of us to see if the stories we will be presenting are working, if we have everything we need. That 2:30 meeting is when we first lay out the broadcast, and then it all quickly accelerates from there. I will have some writing to do. I will also tape promos for local NBC affiliates and that pushes us to air time at 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Life After 50 (LA50): Unlike you, when most Americans turn in each evening, they have no expectation that a 2 a.m. call may come in telling them to get up and grab their “go bag” because they’ll be on a flight to Texas, or Europe, or somewhere in the Middle East in a few hours.

LH: Yeah, it happens that way sometimes. It’s hard to make plans in this job, because you never know what any moment may bring when something breaks somewhere in the world. That’s the nature of news, and because I’m a reporter at heart, I like to be on the big stories. So whenever a big story breaks, there is an immediate conversation that takes place as to what resources we have to cover it and if I should personally go to the scene. That is typically a quick conversation, because I have a bar that if it is a story that will command a lot of the broadcast and one that I think I can better leverage by getting key interviews or key access, then we’ll go.

LA50: It is greatly appreciated by the news-consuming public to hear an anchor of your stature say that you are a reporter at heart.

LH: I say that a lot, especially if I’m speaking with kids who are thinking about pursuing a career in broadcast journalism. I know that anchoring seems like it’s a big deal, and yes, it is prestigious, and yes, it pays more money, but when I look at my career, the things that have been the most memorable, the most fun and rewarding have been those that have taken place out in the field and not sitting behind a glass desk in a studio.

LA50: As an unbiased journalist, there is a level of professionalism that must be maintained, no matter how devastating or heartbreaking or moving a story may be. And yet, every anchor and reporter is a human being with human emotions. Have there been times when something you have been covering has really impacted you in an emotional way?

LH: The longer I have been in this business and the more mature I have become, the more I realize you can be unbiased, be a good reporter, and still have feelings. There are many feelings I have about any given story that are not editorial; they are things that would touch the emotions of any human being. I’m sitting here in my office right now looking at a photo on my wall of me in Hungary last fall documenting the migrant crisis. When I was there, speaking to those folks, I realized they are just like me. They are parents who, along with their kids, have risked everything, sailing to Greece or making their way through Europe. I remember talking to people – parents – in Baltimore after the riots that broke out there last spring over the Freddie Gray situation. They talked about the fears they have for their kids, about growing up in this environment, their views of the police. When you are talking to people, you can’t help but to relate to them. I have always said that one of the most interesting things about doing what I do for a living is sitting and talking

12 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

to people when they are often at their lowest moment, their most vulnerable moment, when they have been through a horrible tragedy or an unimaginable loss. I have learned by speaking with these folks that you don’t know what you are capable of until you are tried and tested in that way. I think it is fascinating to see how people deal with great adversity. I think that is one of the most interesting parts of the job for me.

LA50: Everyone who has the desire to become a journalist does so because they were inspired by those they watched or read when they were young. Who were some of the journalists that inspired you?

LH: I am not just saying this because I work for NBC: It was Tom Brokaw.

I watched him since he was a White House correspondent, and then, of course, when he came here to New York to anchor. I grew up in Northern California and when I was young, there was an anchor in Sacramento at KCRA, Stan Atkinson, who was also one of those who inspired me. I always tell young journalists to watch television and figure out who you like and, more importantly, what it is that you like about them. Why do you think that person is a great communicator? Why do they leap off the screen to you? Why do you relate to them? I encourage young people to ascertain that and then mimic those things that they admire. That’s what I did. I remember what a big deal it was when Max Robinson was tapped to serve as an anchor for ABC. I was just coming of age at that time – I was in my late teens. That was a big deal to me, to see an African-American in an important role with a major news organization. I’m always very mindful of the path that was paved by Max Robinson, and Bernard Shaw, and Carole Simpson. They were the folks who broke the color barrier in journalism and opened the doors for the rest of us.

LA50: Journalism and journalists are seemingly not as revered today as they were in times past. What is your call on the state of journalism today?

LH: Well, first, let me say that I appreciate your use of the term “journalism” because so many people use the term “the media,” which, while it certainly encompasses journalism, has taken on different meanings. I’m a big believer in what some people disparagingly call “the mainstream media.” I am proudly a part of the mainstream media. To me, that represents folks who still cover news the old fashioned way: we fact check, we attribute our sources, we tell you what we know and also what we don’t know. That is the basics of good news gathering and reporting. That has not changed with the major news organizations. What has changed is the competitive environment. There are a lot of people who are producing and reporting news today, some of it comes from NBC News and some of it comes from someone Tweeting about something they heard or think they heard out there. Today, people are being bombarded with so much information from so many different sources without the filters that used to be in place. That is why I am a big believer in news organizations like NBC and our major competitors who offer people a place where they can tune in to fact check the day; to know that what you are seeing

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and hearing is coming from responsible journalists who have asked about the things they have heard, worked hard to find out if what they have head is true, what it means, and how big a deal it may be. That is our role, and I think it has increased in its importance as Americans have gotten more and more bombarded with more and more unfiltered information.

LA50: So many people today are getting the lion’s share of their news and information from social media.

LH: That is true, and that is why mainstream news organizations have embraced so many different forms of media. We certainly aren’t sitting here at NBC News in New York having tucked ourselves into the mindset that we can continue to do things the way we did in the 1980s. It doesn’t work that way.

Here is how I look at it: What we – the major news organizations – do hasn’t changed when it comes to solid reporting and fact checking and attributing sources. What has changed is the way we deliver the news – how we reach our audience. That constantly continues to evolve. Our job is to chase the viewers where they are – a television, a phone, a computer – giving them different ways to consume the news. But for NBC and the other major news organizations, the basics of gathering and reporting news have not changed that much.

LA50: Talk about today’s news cycle that plays out in real time on social media and cable news. How does that impact how you and your team plan your nightly newscasts?

LH: Once we looked at news as having a 24-hour cycle, but today, things move so quickly. I mentioned earlier that we all come together for a 9:30 a.m. meeting and we plan out the day and all agree on what is the big story of that day that will be our lede. But by 2:30 in the afternoon, we start to question if it is still the big story, because it has played out all day on cable. So because things move so rapidly and are covered in real time, that has complicated what we do a bit. It gives us a daily challenge to make sure that when we come on the air at 6:30 in the evening, that we are relevant and hitting the stories that are fresh, or at least that we’re putting a fresh angle on them.

Social media and the cable stations, MSNBC and their competitors, have become a big staple out there. They are out there working on stories all day long, so they challenge us at “NBC Nightly News” to bring viewers something new and fresh.

LA50: You have a unique vantage point from which to observe the 2016 presidential campaign. I guess there may be many adjectives that could be used to describe this race, but most agree it has been and is one of the most remarkable presidential campaigns ever waged. How do you think journalists have done in covering this campaign and Secretary Clinton and Mr. Trump?

LH: I think it is fair to say we were all caught off-guard by the Republican primary race, with so many candidates, that resulted in a nominee that, six months ago, no one would have ever expected. That has created a lot of excitement. But at the same time, it has caused a lot of drama. I think

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that because this has been such a dramatic campaign, it has provided a real challenge for those in the news business, certainly for us here at NBC News, to not get caught up in a lot of the crazy drama and to really focus on holding these two candidates’ feet to the fire. In a news cycle where things can completely change in a short time – six to eight hours – it is incumbent upon us, as a responsible news source, to hold up our hands and say: “Wait a minute!”

To hold off on reporting something until we can put our fact checking machine into action. At NBC News, we do that every day. I’m proud to work with an incredible group of presidential campaign reporters who are out there in the field – in the trenches – working seven days a week and not letting anything slip by them. Come November, the American public is going to have an important choice to make, and it is our job to make sure the American public is properly informed, so that they know what they are voting for and who they are voting for and where the candidates stand on issues. In a campaign like this one, there are a lot of shiny objects out there flashing, and a lot of smoke coming from all sides, so it is our job – one that we take very seriously – to cut through all of that. It is imperative to every person who works for NBC News to do that.

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APPROVAL

LA50: As the man sitting behind one of the world’s most important anchor desks – where you get to see the events of our nation and our world played out every day – do you have any personal feelings or thoughts as to where we are in late 2016 as a people, as a nation, as a world?

OK

LH: I think there is a lot of snarkiness and meanness out there. I think, though, that it is amplified through social media, more than what really exists. I think, in some instances, many of the problems and the way they are addressed by people seem to be much bigger than they really are because of the rhetoric. But I do, at times, fear that we are losing the ability to have a really good substantive debate that doesn’t result in an argument but rather is just a good two-way conversation in which people are really listening and each side is being heard.

I think that part of our role in presenting the news is to try and foster that conversation – to foster an informed debate in which people can share their views with one another. I worry sometimes that people seem to treat political issues as if they are pulling for a sports team. I think, at times, people get so invested in their team that they get so emotional and wrapped up in cheering for their team that they are not having the conversation we should all be having, about what is the best way to address the problems we all face, to know what realistic options we may have, to work together to solve our problems. I know that may sound a bit Pollyannaish for a journalist, but I think in our role – gathering and disseminating news – it is done at its best when we give people the information they need so that they can make really informed decisions.

I know that with any given story we or any news organization does, it is going to step on someone’s world view. That can be painful and it can make people flinch, but that’s our job, to put truthful information out there.

CHANGES

APPROVAL

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OK CHANGES

LA50: You have such a demanding job, but can you share a bit about the things you enjoy when you are away from work?

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LH: I enjoy music. I’m a bass player – both an upright and an electric guitar.

I’ve been playing since I was in high school. We here at NBC have put together

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a little rock ‘n’ roll band – we call ourselves the Thirty Rockers – and it’s made up of some of my colleagues. We try to get together a few times a month to play. Some of the guys in the band are tape editors at “Dateline.” They’re rock ‘n’ rollers, and while I’m not a huge rock ‘n’ roll guy, they have helped me embrace my inner rocker [laughs], so we’re doing Rolling Stones covers and Billy Squire and Jefferson Starship stuff. I love it and I’m having a lot of fun stretching my musical muscles.

LA50: Let’s imagine a beautiful Sunday in which you have no work demands. What is the perfect day for Lester Holt?

LH: My wife and I would go to church, and then, from our church, it’s only a five-minute walk to Central Park. Strolling around Central Park is just amazing. I love the musicians playing all over and doing some people watching, seeing the kids sailing their boats in the pond. Then we would take the subway downtown and have lunch in some little place in Greenwich Village. That would be a pretty cool Sunday.

LA50: You look like you’re in great shape. Do you adhere to any sort of exercise regimen or diet?

LH: I try to get to the gym every other day. I do a lot of plyometric weight exercises. I do a lot of high-intensity type of activity. As for eating, unfortunately, I’m a sugarholic. But I’m really working on that and I try to go easy on the carbs as much as possible. I do eat a lot of fish. And when it comes to doing all the things you’re supposed to do, I’m not fully compliant, but I’m getting better.

16 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

LA50: We’re always curious with everyone we talk to, as the years have passed, if they have adopted any thoughts or philosophy on getting older.

LH: We’re such a youth-driven culture and, like a lot of people, I get caught up in that a bit. But we’re all getting older each day and I like to think I’ m doing it, and will continue to do it, on my terms as much as possible. I know that, as we get older, some things are out of our control – the way our bodies age. But to the extent that I can keep myself well by exercising and eating right, my goal is to age as gracefully as possible.

You hear people talk about the downsides of aging a lot, but to me, one of the great things about aging is that you get better at what you do. My attitude, from the time I first began my work in broadcasting, was to strive to be better tomorrow than I was today. I think the wisdom and maturity that comes with having lived a lot of days is a great thing. I make much better decisions today than I did when I was young. I’m a much better journalist today than I was when I was young. As you get older, you take a moment to think about things whereas you used to be impulsive. I think there are a lot of benefits in getting older.

For more information on “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt,” click on www.nbcnews.com

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SHOULD YOU STAY OR

SHOULD YOU GO? AS THE AMERICAN POPULATION GETS OLDER, “AGING-IN-PLACE” HAS BECOME A KEY PHRASE THAT IS BEST ADDRESSED SOONER RATHER THAN LATER Special to Life After 50 by Michele Brown

I

n survey after survey, close to 90 percent of all aging Americans say their wish is to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This is a desire that, while understandable, can cause a rift between those in their 70s and over and their adult children.

The decision to age-in-place or move to an institutional care facility is complex and personal.

It is a decision that hinges on the amount of healthcare needed, the availability of family assistance, and economic factors. This issue also brings with it other things to consider: • Is the home the person’s living in conducive to someone who can no longer climb stairs?

• Is there still the physical ability or financial resources to maintain the house and property?

• Are there remodeling or redesign options that could make the existing home more conducive to their remaining in it?

18 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

• Does the home need to be sold to afford the move to an assisted living facility?

• Are there financial options, other than selling a property, that can pay for in-home or assisted living expenses?

These questions represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many things to consider when an aging person is faced with the fact that they may no longer be able to live in the home they have resided in for many years.

And, for most families, it is a discussion that is all too often put off until an incident occurs that forces the issue to be addressed. Stephen M. Golant, a gerontologist and professor at the University of Florida has written “Aging In The Right Place,” a comprehensive guide to housing and care options for older adults. In his guide, Golant writes: “People evaluate buying a toaster or coffeemaker more than they do their housing and longterm care choices.”

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN STAYING PUT

One reason most older adults choose to age-in-place for as long as they are able is simply because it is the most affordable option. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 21 percent of people aged 65 to 74 and 18 percent of those aged 74 to 84 own their homes outright and no longer have mortgage expenses. However, their homes also tend to be older, in need of maintenance, and less likely to be updated in ways that would accommodate their changing lifestyles.

Statistics show that most Americans over the age of 65 live in homes that are over 40 years old and have narrow interior doorways, hard-to-reach kitchen cupboards and potentially hazardous kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

AARP recommends everyone over the age of 50 to begin looking at their home with a critical eye toward the future. If you have the money to

remodel, they suggest you think about making your house more age-related-user-friendly, not just more beautiful. They stress working with an architect who understands aging-in-place issues and who can design smart and convenient features that in no way need to look institutional or utilitarian.

To promote this outlook, AARP has teamed up with the National Association of Home Builders to create a designation for certified aging-in-

place specialists trained in designing and modifying residences for the elderly. Today, several thousand builders, contractors, remodelers and architects have been certified as CAPS professionals.

These trained professionals can help you in building or remodeling a home that can include such features as onefloor living areas, touchless faucets, trim kitchen drawers instead of cupboards, proper lighting, grab bars and nonslip floors.

Home technology professionals and interior designers can also provide ideas for security systems, monitoring cameras, lighting functionality, easy-to-reach and open doors and easy accessibility to hardware, microwaves and other appliances. They may also recommend lowering countertops or cabinets, and making hallways wider.

Lighting is one of the most immediate ways to deter accidents, and it also has an appeal to anyone who wants to provide better protection for their home. Easy one-touch buttons can turn on exterior lights, pathways, entryways and hallways. This is very important to take into consideration, because many older people have erratic sleeping patterns.

GO WITH A CAPS PRO The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program offered by the National Association of Home Builders teaches housing professionals the essential skills to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for aging-in-place.

Overwhelmingly, older Americans prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. In order to do that, the services of remodelers, builders, contractors and even occupational therapists

may well be needed. Professionals who hold the CAPS designation can offer you what you need most: reassurance that you’ll make the best choices to help you stay in your home for as long as possible, safely and securely.

When looking for a remodeler, builder or contractor for an aging-in-place project, be sure to look for one that has a CAPS designation.

Because they may regularly get up several times during the night, proper hallway lighting to the kitchen or bathroom is essential.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SELLING

In certain situations, aging-in-place may simply no longer be an option. In cases like these, decisions have to be made as to how an assisted living facility will be paid for. For those who do not have the finical means but do own a home, this usually means the property must be sold.

This is where, along with a finical advisor, an understanding and experienced professional Realtor must be brought into the picture. They can meet with you and discuss the sale of a home or any investment properties. It is very important to be open with these professionals, letting them clearly know your objectives. Among the many things you will want to discuss are whether capital gains taxes will be deferred or if they have heirs in a trust.

Remember, even if finances are an issue, selling a property may not always be the best option.

Before any decision is made to sell, it is vitally important that you know what your goals are and what options you have.

MEET

MICHELE BROWN Michele Brown is an international, national and local award-winning Realtor and the executive director of Keller Williams Luxury International Division. A Los Angeles resident for over 20 years she has served clients professionally in the real estate industry for over four decades. Having started her career as a nurse, Brown brings a unique compassion and understanding of people’s sensitivities to her real estate work and says: “The quality and quantity of the service rendered is as important as the spirit in which it is rendered.”

An accomplished keynote speaker who lectures on motivation and team building, Brown heads up luxury real estate teams from Los Angeles to Nashville and is a six-time grandmother.

If you, or an older relative, are in need of a real estate professional who is attuned to aging-in-place issues, you can contact Brown at (877) 2420279 or by clicking on www.realestateprofessionalsinternational.com.

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LiViNG

LiFE SOUTH OF THE BORDER

While Mexico was once viewed solely as a vacation destination, more and more retiring Americans are embracing it as home

By Max Andrews

F

or most Americans, spending time in Mexico means relaxing at a luxurious resort in Cancun or Cozumel or spending a few hours at one of the country’s western ports of call while cruising the Mexican Riviera. For others, however, Mexico has become much more than a vacation destination – it has become home.

While some have made the decision to retire to Mexico, others who are still working have made the move south of the border and are telecommuting. This decision is usually predicated on the reduced cost of living that can be enjoyed in Mexico (one that can offer considerable style even for those living on just a Social Security income), but the country also offers good year-round weather, many of the amenities they are used to in the U.S., and retirement communities that specifically cater to American retirees.

bedroom homes in beautiful areas renting for $600 month with sales prices less than half of what a comparable home would cost in the U.S. There has always been a level of confusion as to whether or not Americans can purchase real estate in Mexico. They can and can even pass it on to their heirs. There are also other ways a Mexican retirement saves money – energy costs and taxes. Because of the country’s warm winters, utility bills are lower and taxes are not a major factor. Mexico does has a value-added tax, but property taxes are much lower than in most of the U.S. and residents who own a home in the U.S. and derive most of their income from outside of Mexico will generally not have to pay any Mexican income tax. Most all food items, beverages and staples are also less expensive.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

WHAT ABOUT HEALTHCARE?

There is no doubting the fact that the cost of living in Mexico is dramatically less than it is in most parts of the U.S., especially the larger cities or desirable retirement areas. A quick perusal of the many websites that cater to Americans who are considering a Mexican retirement shows the listing of three-

22 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

While U.S. Medicare is not accepted in Mexico, Americans living in the country can purchase health insurance from a national Mexican insurance program with rates that start as low

as $300 a year. As far as modern medical facilities, that can be an issue if you choose a more rural area although the major cities of Mexico offer high-quality healthcare with good doctors, dentists, hospitals and other medical specialists.

ISN’T IT DANGEROUS?

Mexico has gained a reputation for being a country with areas that are considered havens for drug cartels who are extremely violent and dangerous.

That is true, but just as in the U.S. and many other countries, areas that have been labeled as danger zones have received those designations for good reasons and are a relatively small part of the country. The level of safety or danger you will find in any major Mexican retirement destination depends on which one is chosen. There is no doubting the fact that Mexican laws and their enforcement can be different than what most Americans are used to. That said, most Americans who make the decision to retire in Mexico tend to look at well-established and developed areas that are designed especially for American retirees. These are typically gated and include private security.

Most people who have made the move report their

safety to be equivalent to any modern town or city in the U.S. and, in some cases, due to Mexico’s extremely tight firearms and lethal-knife laws, some Mexican cities have statistically lower violent crime incidents than some areas of the U.S. The bottom line on danger: Once you are away from Mexico City and other areas known to be the domiciles of drug rings, violent crime is actually extremely rare in Mexico.

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE?

Just as in the U.S., Mexico offers numerous choices for retirement living. While some may embrace seclusion, others may opt for bustling communities that offer just about every amenity imaginable. Whatever lifestyle you desire, Mexico offers an area that can suit your tastes.

As with making a move to any new place, it is always advisable to spend time in the area before making a decision and talk to locals and real estate professionals who really know the area.

Life After 50 recently polled a group of real estate professionals who have worked with Americans looking to make the move to Mexico. Our top question was: “What areas seem to be the most popular for relocation?” While the choices are far greater than those we include here, the following are the ones that were most often mentioned.

LAKE CHAPALA AND AJIJIC

One of the most popular areas for American retirees is the Lake Chapala region in Jalisco.

Whether it be in the lakeside area of Chapala or nearby Ajijic, this area’s main attraction is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake offering the opportunity to fish, boat, ski and take part in other water sports. A mecca for over a decade for U.S. retirees, this region has recently boomed and is now also attracting younger people and families. The Lake Chapala community is composed of a string of villages, mostly on the north shore, with Ajijic, a town about three miles from Chapala, being the focal point in terms of restaurants, cultural events, shopping and other amenities. The area offers stunning beauty with its majestic mountains reflecting in the lake, charming cobblestone streets, stone walls festooned with fuchsia bougainvillea, waterfalls and thermal springs.

perfect, as is the lifestyle for those who are used to living in an urban and vibrant city environment.

Homes prices and rents are not as inexpensive in Guadalajara as they were a decade ago, but with a little due diligence, good deals can still be found.

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

A former colonial silver town that many consider one of the best places to live in central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende offers cobblestone streets and the charm of old Mexico. The area also has great dining, cultural venues showcasing world-class art and shopping centers. Over the past decade, San Miguel de Allende has become a lure for Americans who have the desire and wherewithal to enjoy an upscale lifestyle. One of the most well-to-do cities in Mexico, it has attracted the rich and famous from around the world. A hub of social and cultural events, the area has been described as “a college campus for wealthily baby boomers.”

PUERTO VALLARTA

This city on Mexico’s Pacific Coast has held an allure to Americans since the 1960s. As with most areas of Mexico, and any major port city, it offers the good and the bad. Urban development has changed the area in a dramatic fashion in the past 20 years, but that has done nothing to take away from Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful beaches and lush hillsides. Life in this tropical costal town brings with it all the amenities Americans would expect in a major city – a bustling downtown, shopping, cultural events and excellent dining and nightlife.

The one catch in considering Puerto Vallarta is that because it is a tourist mecca and cruise ship stop, prices for everything are higher than you will find in other parts of Mexico.

PUEBLO

Located at 7,000 feet above sea level in the mountains of central Mexico, Pueblo is a twohour drive from Mexico City. Distinguished as an

ancient Spanish city, the area offers a rich cultural and architectural history. A beautiful city of Old World charm, colorful squares and a vibrant arts scene, Pueblo is considered to be the gastronomical capital of Mexico and an extremely popular retirement destination for Americans.

MAZATLAN

This major port city is best known as a lure to worldwide tourists who come to enjoy its sandy beaches, sport fishing, nightlife and seafood.

Located north of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan is older and overall, less expensive than other touristy area on the Baja Peninsula. Best described as “rustic Mexican,” the city has great restaurants and amenities.

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS

Situated at 5,000 feet above sea level, San Cristobal de Las Casas is where you will find one of the most laid-back and quiet areas in all of Mexico. Unlike the more tropical coastal areas, here you will find a much cooler climate. A breathtakingly beautiful area, this is a place that does not cater to tourists in search of Mexico’s sun and fun. This is where you would want to look if you are seeking a slow, relaxed, peaceful existence. Described by one Realtor as “a magical place,” he also added that those considering this area must understand that it really is remote.

ENSENADA

Ensenada is Mexican living that is not too removed from a U.S lifestyle – in culture and location. This area, a popular resort town for many years, is what one Realtor described as being “touristy but with a small-town family feel.” It also offers everything you would want or need in a major city, weather that is just about perfect year round, the beaches are beautiful, English is spoken everywhere, and the U.S. border is just an hour’s drive north.

GUADALAJARA

Situated in north central Mexico, Guadalajara has been a popular spot for Americans to retire, although it has lost some of its popularity to the Lake Chapala region which is just 45 minutes to the south. Still, many Americans prefer Guadalajara because of its culture, shopping – which includes stores they have grown used to such as Wal-Mart and Costco – graceful architecture, and old-style Mexican ambience. Guadalajara is a major city – Mexico’s second largest – and home to over five million people that includes a State Department estimate of over 50,000 Americans. The yearround weather in Guadalajara is nothing short of September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 23

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September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 25 8/10/16 5:40 PM

Hal Linden

Preparing to take the stage of The Pasadena Playhouse in “The Fantasticks,” the actor best known as Barney Miller shares thoughts on his most iconic role, aging and much more.

Story and photos by David Laurell

W

hile the house is dark and empty, the stage of The Pasadena Playhouse is abuzz as the set for “The Fantasticks” is being constructed under the watchful eye of the production’s scenic designer, David F. Weiner.

Upstairs, in the theater’s second-floor library, Hal Linden, who will play the role of Henry, the disheveled old actor whose memory fails him at times, is taking a break from rehearsal, relaxing in a leather chair and snacking on a cheese Danish.

Linden, who will turn 86 next March, graciously accepts a compliment on how great he looks.

“And here I am starting another show,” he says with a shrug. “How many more I’ll do? I don’t know.

For the last 10 years, every time I start a new show, I say I’m going to give it my all, because I know that one of these days, I won’t be able to do that any longer – have the physical ability to perform and memorize lines. That suspicion is always there. And this is a tough show with a lot of classical monologue so that makes it real work.”

Linden has embraced real work as a professional musician and singer since he was in his mid-teens.

A classically trained clarinetist who played in dance bands with Bobby Sherwood, Ray McKinley and Sammy Kaye, Linden continued performing during his stint in the U.S. Army. Then, following his

26 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

military service, realizing the Big Band era was in its waning days, he decided to pursue a career as an actor and enrolled at New York’s American Theatre Wing where he trained in voice and drama.

Making his Broadway debut in the 1957 musical “Bells Are Ringing” with Judy Holliday, he went on to star in more than 20 Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including his portrayal of Mayer Rothschild in the musical “The Rothschilds,” based on Frederic Morton’s 1962 book, “The Rothschilds: A Family Portrait,” for which Linden won the 1971 Tony Award for Best Actor In A Musical.

Having turned in numerous memorable performances on stage, television, in film and cabaret-style variety shows, Linden will, perhaps, always be best known for his portrayal of the witty, compassionate and empathetic police precinct captain, Barney Miller, in the ABC television series of the same name, which baby boomers watched from 1975 to 1982.

“They didn’t just grow up watching the show,” Miller opines as he begins his rehearsal-break conversation with Life After 50. “They bonded with their family while watching it. The great majority of those who watched the show tell me they watched it with their uncle, their aunt, grandmother, father, sister. It was a show that families watched together.”

Life After 50 (LA50): That’s the way we all watched television when we were kids, gathered around the set with the whole family.

Hal Linden (HL): Back then, different generations all watched the same shows – something we will never see again. That is why so many people tell me they don’t just remember watching the show, but also the bonding time they had with their family. Remember Billy Eckstine, the great jazz singer? His daughter, Gina, who is also a singer, once told me of her memories of her mother and father being in bed watching “Barney Miller” and she and her siblings all climbing in with them and watching it. She told me that is one of her greatest memories of growing up. The show was a personal experience for the people who watched it, how they watched it as a family, and how people of different ages related to the characters.

LA50: As with any great show, the greatness stems from having a perfect cast…

HL: The second cast! Did you know that?

LA50: No. HL: The original pilot for “Barney Miller” was not sold. The only two actors in the original pilot

were me and Abe [Vigoda]. The show didn’t sell, but it had aired in the summer as a part of the “ABC Comedy Festival,” where they showed all their dead pilots. After that, I was back in New York working in the theatre and had just gotten an offer to star in a new musical. At the same time, I got a call from Danny Arnold, who was the creator and producer of “Barney Miller.” He had convinced somebody at ABC to shoot two more episodes. They were willing to give the show another try, because they loved the precinct part, but they didn’t like the home part. You know, the show was originally called “The Life and Times of Captain Barney Miller.” The original concept was that half of it would take place in the precinct and the other half in his home. They felt the athome part had been done a thousand times, from back in the days of “Father Knows Best.” So somehow, Danny talked them into giving the show another chance and he got the okay to do two more episodes. I had no contractual agreement with him to do those episodes, and that put me in a situation in which I faced a big decision: Do I do two episodes of a show that may never make it or go with a sure thing – a guaranteed year’s work in a musical? Now something like that presents a big decision for an actor, but I’ll tell you, I made that decision in a very cavalier fashion. I kind of shrugged and thought: “Hey, I’ve done Broadway.

Let’s try television.” So I was on board, but he couldn’t get the other actors who had been in the pilot. They had all moved on to other projects.

That’s when they found Max Gail and then later Jack Soo and the whole show was recast.

LA50: Allow me, if you will, to make an observation: I always felt “Barney Miller” was a unique show in that, with all the same characters, it could have very easily been flipped from being a sitcom to being a dramatic police procedural show.

HL: Interesting that you say that. Let me tell you the show “Barney Miller” was predicated on. It was not predicated on a comedy. It was predicated on a stage drama and a film called “Detective Story.” The film was done in the early 1950s with Kirk Douglas – a story of one day in the lives of people who work in a police detective squad. It was four desks in a precinct and four stories of the people who sat at those desks. Danny had seen that film and thought he could make a sitcom out of it. So your perception is interesting in that the show was predicated on a drama. But remember this: Danny never wanted “Barney Miller” to be a silly comedy. Danny was adamant about that. I remember in rehearsals, one of us would, at times, come up with some funny bit or line that would get us all laughing. Now most sitcom directors would be all about incorporating that – keeping it in – but not Danny. He turned down a lot of things that would have gotten big laughs. He used to say: “Would you go for help from a police officer who said something like that or behaved like that?”

He wanted the main characters to represent real police officers that people would go to for help. He wanted it to be based on reality, and to do that, he knew he had to keep the main characters within

Barney with a Talmudic sense of justice.” He wanted Barney to be a guy who always thought: “There but for the grace of God goes everybody.” Well, that’s a wonderful concept and I wish I could live by that, but none of us do. We all have our biases and prejudices.

But Danny always wanted to make sure that Barney’s function was to straighten the scales of justice.

LA50: Of the bazillions of people who have roamed this planet, only a minute fraction have gotten to star in a television show and far fewer went on to create an iconic character that will live on forever. Do you ever allow yourself to revel or be amazed by the good fortune that shined down on you in getting the role of Barney Miller?

certain parameters – that they couldn’t be silly or slapstick. So crazy people came in, we did funny things with the perps and the complainers and what-not, but the main characters always had to uphold a semblance of reality. So your observation is a good one.

LA50: With the passing of well over 30 years and the benefit of hindsight, what do you think of the character of Barney Miller?

HL: He was someone that I would strive to be. I’m not nearly as patient or as forgiving as Barney. I’m not that understanding [laughing]. You know what I mean?

LA50: Very few people are.

HL: Exactly! So he is a paragon. I once asked Danny why he chose me to play the role of Barney.

I never auditioned for it. I didn’t even know about the show. I didn’t know Danny. But he had seen me on Broadway in “The Rothschilds” and he remembered me. When they were originally casting for the show, the network had given Danny a list of potential actors for the lead role and he said: “No, I saw a guy on Broadway that I want.” I once asked him what it was about that performance that made him think of me for Barney. My part on “The Rothschilds” was not exactly something that would make you think of Barney Miller. But he told me that he had formulated an idea in his mind of who Barney was and what his function was. I’ll never forget this, he told me: “I wanted to infuse

HL: All of our lives are ”what if” stories, so let me tell you mine. I grew up in New York and never went to the theatre – ever! I had no interest in plays – the theatre. I was a musician, so I went to the Capitol Theater on Broadway to see Stan Kenton and Dizzy Gillespie play, but never to a theatrical production. I went through high school and college, both by the way, which had excellent theatre departments, and I never as much as set foot in the door of either of them. So I was out of college and in the Army playing my clarinet and saxophone and singing.

We played the officers’ club, Saturday night dances, various service clubs, and there was a guy in the band who used to be called up by Special Services whenever they wanted to do a show. Well, one time he was going off to do a show and he asked me if I wanted to come along and sing. I said: “Sure, why not?” So that was the first time I ever appeared on a stage without my saxophone hanging around my neck and sang a song. Then they also had this comedy sketch in the show and there was this little part – just a two-liner – they needed someone to do. So I did it. That’s how the whole thing started.

I thought: “This is fun! I could do this.” This was also right around the end of the Big Band era.

Rock ’n’ roll was taking over, and my life was with the Big Bands and jazz. So I knew if the Big Bands continued to lose their popularity as they did, my life as a musician was going to be one of playing bar mitzvahs and weddings. So I used my GI bill and enrolled in the American Theatre Wing, became an actor, and here I am all these years later at The Pasadena Playhouse rehearsing to do “The Fantasticks” [laughs]. But what if that guy had never asked me to come and sing at that show that night? What if I had said no? So did I ever

September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 27

think I would make a living as an actor, much less create an iconic character? No! I just wanted to be good character actor that got work. That was all I aspired to.

LA50: “The Fantasticks” is such a beloved show, which tells an allegorical story loosely based on the Edmond Rostand play “Les Romanesques,” about two feuding fathers who trick their offspring into falling in love.

The fathers do that by having Henry, the role you play, and Mortimer stage a mock abduction of Luisa so Matt can save her, become the big hero, and end the fighting between the families. The show focuses on what every parent wants for their kids – the opportunity for them to be happy and make the most of their lives. When you look at your grandkids, do you ever worry that the opportunity for them to make the most of their lives is going to be far more of a challenge than it was for you?

HL: [sighs] The American dream was always to work hard, get ahead, do better than your parents, and then give your kids a chance to do even better than you. My grandchildren – I have eight that range in age from 11 to one who is going off to college this year – and, statistically, that dream is no longer true for them. That has nothing to do with what political party is in or out of office, because that dream has been dying for about 40 years now. The wealth gap in this country has made the future one that is not looking good for what keeps any economy going – the middle class.

The reason the middle class is dwindling is due to technology more than anything. Hey, technology and all it has brought us is fantastic, but let’s face the fact, it has removed the human element from many jobs, it takes a lot fewer people, if any, to do the work. Henry Ford once famously said that he had to pay his employees enough so that they could afford to buy the cars they made. Back then, the American marketplace was made up of the American workforce. That concept is dying. And if we think it has gotten bad today, it will get much worse with artificial intelligence, that is a reality – it’s coming! We already see it in driverless cars. A computer can make a better decision

than a human being. It just takes all the facts into consideration and has no biases or feelings or empathy. You know who artificial intelligence will do away with? Middle management – the people who hire and fire and make decisions. That will completely destroy the middle class. So yes, I do seriously worry about the world my grandchildren will inherit.

LA50: Do you think they see it through that same prism of pessimism or are they approaching their future in a more positive way?

HL: I think they are interested in getting out there into the world and being a part of it – seeing what they can do. They have all grown up in a world that has become more and more overtaken by technology, so they don’t know anything else.

LA50: You mentioned earlier that you don’t know how many more shows you have left in you, but come on, you look to be in great shape.

What do you attribute that to?

HL: Genes. I got my mother’s genes. She lived to be 98. But I also work out every morning. When I get up, I’m in my gym on an elliptical for 45 minutes and doing sit-ups to get the heart rate up.

I work out for about an hour each morning.

LA50: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

HL: For many years, I was an avid but lousy golfer. But I don’t play as much as I once did.

Today, just getting up, working out, showering, having breakfast, reading the newspaper and watching CNN is a good day – especially being able to watch this commedia dell’arte of an election unfold.

LA50: Care to make any further comment on this rather unconventional campaign everyone seems to be talking about?

HL: [shrugs] I have Republican friends who are really torn about this election. They just don’t know what the hell to do. I just had a conversation with a good friend the other day who is in

that predicament. I said: “Let me give you a suggestion.” It’s what I tell everyone. I told him to forget everything you know, or think you know, or have ever heard about either Trump or Clinton – the scandals, the controversies, the university, the e-mails, all that bullshit – just put it all aside. You also have to put aside your allegiance to being a “D” or an “R,” because he is not a conservative and she is not a liberal. So forget the politics and their characters. Forget it all and just ask yourself one thing: “Who do you feel has the competency to be president of the United States?” I don’t care what you think of them other than what this really comes down to: simple competency to do the job.

And I can’t fathom anyone who thinks that Trump has the competency to be president. Hey, I’m not a Hillary fan. I had hoped that Joe Biden would run and still haven’t forgiven him for not running.

But I think this election comes down to one thing: competency, and I can’t see how anyone can see that quality in Trump.

LA50: One last thing and we’ll let you get back to rehearsing. We’re all getting a little older as each day passes. Have you adopted any philosophy on getting older?

HL: The last time I was in the hospital, I had a bowel blockage – nothing really serious. But during the six days I was in the hospital, the doctors did all their tests and x-rays and found something on my pancreas they didn’t like the looks of. Now that’s scary. So all these doctors were in my room explaining what they think they saw.

And when they all left the room, I said to myself: “Gee, I’m not scared or worried about this at all.”

That was my attitude! I just wanted to see what we could do about it. I remember thinking: “Am I that cavalier about my mortality, or am I just that comfortable with the length of life I have lived and the things I have been able to do?” It turned out, fortunately, to be nothing. But when I thought back on how cavalier I was about having it be something serious and my time being up, I thought: “Son of a bitch! I had no panic or fear whatsoever.” So did I learn something about myself, about my philosophy or approach to getting older? Here’s what I learned: “Que sera sera! [laughs]. Whatever will be, will be!”

SEE HAL LINDEN IN THE FANTASTICKS Preview performances of “The Fantasticks,” starring Hal Linden as Henry, begin September 6 and the show will run through October 2, 2016 at The Pasadena Playhouse. The production, directed by Seema Sueko, also features Philip Anthony-Rodriguez as El Gallo, Regi Davis as Bellomy, Conor Guzmán as Matt, Ashley Park as Luisa, Alyse Rockett as The Mute, Amir Talai as Mortimer and Gedde Watanabe as Hucklebee.

Tickets, priced from $25 to $135, are available by clicking on www.

PasadenaPlayhouse.org or by calling (626) 356-7529.

28 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

TRIBUTE! Honoring Supervisor Don Knabe

The Marina del Rey Historical Society presents TRIBUTE! A fundraising gala evening celebrating the career and achievements of Supervisor Don Knabe.

This is the official Marina del Rey celebration for retiring Supervisor Knabe, honoring his 20-years of service, especially his dedicated concern and oversight to Los Angeles County’s unique property of Marina del Rey

Friday, September 23, 2016 5:30 p.m. VIP Reception; 6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner Individual Tickets: $250.00 includes VIP Reception. Pre-dinner Reception and Dinner: $150.00 per person . Table Sponsorship Packages Available WHERE: Marina del Rey Marriott (Bayview Room); 4100 Admiralty Way Business or formal attire requested; Valet parking available ($12) CONTACT: For tickets, sponsorships, program advertising, please contact Willie Hjorth, president of the Marina del Rey Historical Society, at 310-822-9344 or visit www.marinadelreyhistoricalsociety.org/ Proceeds benefit Marina del Rey Historical Society (MdRHS), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to sharing the history of our cherished Marina with visitors, and future generations, through digital archives and Fisherman’s Village Gallery exhibits.

“ P i n k L a dy ” Jac k i e G o L d b e rG

Senior Star Power 2016 talent ComPetition

“america Salutes our Veterans” (with a little help from our friends) exciting, live Theatrical Production Contestants and Performers 60 Years Young & Over

November 5 & 6, 2016 • 1–3pm Outdoor Pre-Show 11am — Doors Open 12:15 - Open Seating

At the 1300 Seat Historic

wadSworth theatre 11301 Wilshire Blvd, LA 90073 on West Los Angeles VA Grounds

tiCketS: $45

Purchase your tickets today through

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universe.com/americasalutesourveterans o r C o n ta C t

pinklady7@earthlink.net or (818) 400-2701 Produced by the Pink Lady, Jackie Goldberg “Not Born Yesterday” Publisher, Amanda Secola

September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 29

T H H  M-K

By Steve Stoliar Illustration by Mark Hammermeister

E R.

M

The name “Edward R. Murrow” can still generate near-worshipful praise from those who remember watching him on CBS, have seen videos of his broadcasts or listened to recordings of his riveting World War II reportage from overseas. In the world of journalism, “honesty” and “integrity” are among the first words that come to mind when his name is mentioned.

E

gbert Roscoe Murrow was born in an actual log cabin on April 25, 1908 in Polecat Creek, North Carolina. His parents were Quakers who owned a farm that grew corn and hay.

When he was six, Murrow’s family moved to Skagit County in Washington State, not far from the Canadian border. Young Egbert attended high school in Edison, Washington, where he was elected student body president. Not surprisingly, he excelled as a member of the school’s debating team.

After graduating from high school in 1926, Murrow attended Washington State College, where he majored in speech. As a teen, his friends called him “Ed” and during his sophomore year at Washington State, he officially changed his first name to “Edward.” In 1930, Murrow graduated with a bachelor’s degree in speech and moved to New York in search of employment.

From 1932 to 1935, Murrow was assistant director of the Institute of International Education and also assistant secretary of the Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced Foreign Scholars, which helped German scholars who had lost their jobs in their native country. In March of 1935, Murrow married Janet Huntington Brewster, whom he’d met when she was a student leader at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

Murrow joined CBS in New York as director of talks and education in 1935.

He remained with that network for the rest of his long and illustrious career. At

that time, there was no news staff, per se; only an announcer, Bob Trout, who would talk to the newsmakers that Murrow lined up for radio broadcasts.

In 1937, Murrow was sent to London to be director of European operations for CBS, although his work did not yet involve any on-air reporting. His job was to convince interesting and significant European figures to appear on CBS radio. Murrow arranged for William L. Schirer to have a similar post on the European continent.

In March of 1938, Murrow was in Poland, covering a children’s chorus for broadcast on CBS when Adolf Hitler suddenly annexed Austria – a significant event that led directly to the beginning of World War II. Schirer was in Austria when it happened, but he couldn’t get the story out via Austria’s radio networks, so Murrow sent him to London, where he delivered an eyewitness account of the Nazis’ takeover. Murrow then flew to Vienna, so he could continue the work that Schirer had started.

On March 13, 1938, Murrow and Schirer put together a program, “European News Roundup,” covering Hitler’s annexation of Austria from various locations.

Murrow’s first broadcast words were: “This is Edward Murrow speaking from Vienna. It’s now nearly 2:30 in the morning and Herr Hitler has not yet arrived.”

The idea of a live, multi-location, as-it-happened broadcast was revolutionary at the time and was an immediate hit with listeners. “European News Roundup”

This feature is intended for you to clip and give to your children or grandchildren because…they must-know!

30 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

eventually became “Word News Roundup” the longest-running network radio newscast in the United States.

As Hitler’s troops invaded Czechoslovakia, radio listeners eagerly awaited Murrow’s live broadcasts, introduced by veteran radio announcer H.V. Kaltenborn in New York saying: “Calling Ed Murrow. Come in, Ed Murrow.”

Murrow continued his live broadcasts from London, covering the Nazis’ devastating Blitz attacks on the city in “London After Dark” and beginning each broadcast with, “This...is London.” Listeners were glued to their radios; they’d never before heard such dramatic and exciting live reports. Before Murrow’s broadcasts, Americans had to get their news from newspapers and theatrical newsreels (which often took up to a week to develop and edit, before they could be shown).

Murrow achieved celebrity status for his London broadcasts. Because Londoners couldn’t be certain they would survive the next Blitz attack, they often ended conversations by saying: “Good night and good luck.” At the end of one 1940 broadcast, Murrow borrowed that phrase to end his report. It stuck, and became his famous closing catchphrase.

No sooner had Murrow returned to the U.S. in 1941 – to great acclaim, a dinner in his honor at the Waldorf-Astoria, and a congratulatory telegram from President Franklin D. Roosevelt – than Pearl Harbor was attacked, triggering America’s official entry into the war. As a result, Murrow was sent back to cover the European theater of the war. He flew on 25 bombing missions, once again utilizing his unique command of the language to bring listeners vivid accounts of the bombings. Over the course of the war, Murrow expanded the CBS L ondon news bureau to include such future broadcast journalist stars as Eric Sevareid, Howard K. Smith, Charles Collingwood and Daniel Schorr. They were dubbed “Murrow’s Boys.”

In 1943, Prime Minister Winston Churchill offered Murrow a job as joint director general of the BBC in charge of programming, which he declined. He did, however, fall in love with Churchill’s daughter-in-law, Pamela, who wanted to marry him. The birth of Janet and Edward Murrow’s only child, Casey, in 1945, put an end to the Pamela affair.

On April 12, 1945, Murrow was among the first reporters to enter the Buchenwald concentration camp, where he interviewed survivors and broadcast riveting reports of the vast and unbelievable horror and carnage the Nazis had created.

In December of 1945, Morrow accepted CBS President William Paley’s offer to become vice president of the network – and the head of CBS News.

Unfortunately, his elevation to being part of the network brass led to the unpleasant task of his having to fire his friend and compatriot, William L. Schirer, after a dispute with a sponsor. As a result, Murrow longed to return to newscasting and leave the executive world behind.

In September of 1947, Murrow returned to the airwaves, taking over the 7:45 p.m. nightly radio newscast. In addition to his news duties, Murrow hosted the weekly radio show, “Hear It Now,” beginning in 1950, which recreated historical events as if they were happening now. He also hosted “This I Believe” from 1951 to 1955, which gave ordinary people the chance to speak on radio for five minutes.

Murrow began to shift from radio to television in the early 1950s with editorial comments at the end of the “CBS Evening News.” “Hear It Now” was moved from radio to television in 1951 and, understandably, became “See It Now.” In 1953, Murrow began his legendary “Person To Person” series, in which he interviewed such notables as Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Groucho and Harpo Marx, Marlon Brando, Fidel Castro and Senator John F. Kennedy. The popular series ran until 1959.

On March 9, 1954, Murrow produced a special episode of “See It Now” entitled “A Report on Senator Joseph McCarthy,” the infamous Wisconsin senator who saw Communists hiding under every rock. Murrow used clips from McCarthy’s own speeches to paint a very honest – and unflattering – portrait of the senator. This legendary broadcast was a turning point in television history, generating an anti-McCarthy backlash that eventually led to his downfall.

Despite “See It Now’s” success, the frequent controversy generated by serious, touchy topics gave William Paley headaches and so he wanted the show to have a lighter, more entertaining tone. A few months after the series’ final broadcast in 1958, Murrow delivered a speech to the Radio and Television News Directors Association in Chicago, in which he said: “Television, in the main, insulates us from the world in which we live.”

From 1958 to 1960, Murrow hosted a combination debate-talk show entitled “Small World.” He also contributed to the documentary series “CBS Reports.”

Edward R. Murrow’s last significant television milestone was hosting “Harvest of Shame,” a report on the plight of migrant American farm workers, which aired just after Thanksgiving of 1960.

In January of 1961, Murrow resigned from CBS to become head of the United States Information Agency – which is the parent of Voice of America – at the personal invitation of President John F. Kennedy himself.

Sadly, Murrow was a three-pack-a-day chain-smoker throughout his life and was rarely seen without his trademark Camel cigarette. He developed lung cancer and died on April 27, 1965, just two days after his 57th birthday. Hearing of his death, Murrow’s friend and colleague, Eric Sevareid, said: “He was a shooting star and we will live in his afterglow a very long time.”

LEARN MORE • “Edward R. Murrow And The Birth Of Broadcast Journalism”

by Bob Edwards (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2004) • “Edward R. Murrow: An American Original” by Joseph E. Persico (McGraw-Hill, 1988) • “Murrow: His Life And Times” by A.M. Sperber (Bantam, 1987)

Mark Hammermeister is an award-winning artist. His work is available for purchase at www.markdraws.com September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 31

Harley And The Davidsons – New Miniseries, Discovery Channel – Premieres Monday September 5 at 9 p.m. (continuing on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 9 p.m.)

Based on a true story, this six-hour miniseries charts the birth of this iconic bike during a time of great social and technological change, beginning at the turn of the 20th century. Walter, Arthur and Bill risked their entire fortune and livelihood to launch the budding enterprise. Each of these men faced very different challenges, but it was the motorcycle that united their dreams and ambitions. For Walter Davidson, the venture was a chance to escape from the confines of society – to ignore the rules and build a bike that could go anywhere and ride hard. For Arthur Davidson, it was an opportunity to finally make good on his name. And for Bill Harley, the bike gave him hope to break free from his overbearing parents and apply his talent as an engineer. This series is led by an all-star cast including Michael Huisman as Walter Davidson, Robert Aramayo as William (Bill) Harley and Bug Hall in the role of Arthur Davidson.

Churchill’s Secret – New Movie, PBS – Sunday September 11 at 8 p.m.

Michael Gambon of “Harry Potter” fame plays the greatest statesman of the 20th century in his most difficult hour – after suffering a debilitating stroke, which he sought to hide from the world. Based on a true incident in the life of Winston Churchill and directed by Charles Sturridge, the film co-stars Romola Garai, Lindsay Duncan, Bill Paterson, Matthew Macfadyen, Tara Fitzgerald, Rachel Stirling, Daisy Lewis and Alex Jennings. This two-hour drama is an adaptation of Jonathan Smith’s acclaimed 2015 novel.

Good Place – New Series, NBC – Premieres Monday September 19 at 10 p.m.

This 13-episode sitcom comes from “Parks and Recreation” creator Mike Schur and, as with his previous show, features a smart, complex, female lead character. Kristen Bell stars as a New Jersey woman who attempts to change her life for the better, if she could only figure out what exactly it means to be a good person. Oh, and there’s one minor detail – she’s dead. Due to a bureaucratic mix-up, she finds herself in a much better afterlife than she deserves. Television veteran, Ted Danson, aids her in her journey.

Pitch – New Series, Fox – Premieres Thursday September 22 at 9 p.m.

A young female pitcher becomes the first woman to play in the Major Leagues when she is called up by the San Diego Padres in this sports drama starring Kylie Bunbury. The show’s creators are aiming for realism in the baseball scenes and have obtained a license from Major League Baseball, which means viewers will see actual team uniforms, stadiums, and, potentially, players. Bob Balaban, Ali Larter, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mark Consuelos, and Dan Lauria also star. Paris Barclay directs the pilot and produces.

MacGyver – New Series, CBS – Premieres Friday September 23 at 8 p.m.

This reboot of the classic action-adventure series, which ran on ABC for seven seasons from 1985 to 1992, stars Lucas Till as a much younger MacGyver, a problem solver who creates a secret organization within the federal government. The show is produced by James Wan, who directed the first episode. It also stars Justin Hires and “CSI’s” George Eads.

32 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

The Best In SepTemBer Television Viewing

By Sandi Berg

Tuned In To What’s On

Generations of Trust for Generations to Come.®

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Specializing in Seniors Buying or Selling Real Estate September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 33

Let’S Get OUt A Preview of Upcoming Events for September/October By Claire Yezbak Fadden

LA/Ventura

September/October programs, live demonstrations, music and dance celebrating the indigenous California maritime cultures, including Tongva, Chumash, Acjachemen, Costanoan, Luiseno and Kumeyaay. The Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. Also Sept. 18. $27-$30. (562) 590-3100. aquariumofpacific.org.

WAIT UNTIL DARK This suspenseful thriller is set in 1944 Greenwich Village. Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. Aided by her difficult, slightly unreliable young neighbor Gloria, she must fight for her life against a gang of ruthless criminals, led by the violent, psychotic Roat who believes she has hidden a baby doll somewhere in her apartment that was used to smuggle heroin into the country. Kentwood Players, Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Westchester. Through Oct. 15. $20. (310) 645-5156. kentwoodplayers.org.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

A MEXICAN TRILOGY: AN AMERICAN STORY

Travel with the Morales family through decades of the Mexican-American experience, from a remote mining town in Arizona during World War II, to the Phoenix family home during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and, finally to Los Angeles following the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005. The Latino Theater Company at LATC, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles. Thurs.-Sun. through Oct. 9. $50-$90. (866) 811-4111. thelatc.org.

eNteRtAINMeNt THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM Phylicia Rashad directs this play depicting the racism and exploitation in the music industry through a 1927 recording session in Chicago with a legendary blues singer. The story is inspired by the real-life Gertrude “Ma” Rainey.

Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.

Through Oct. 16. $25-$85. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org.

from teenagers on a date, to sisters at their grandmother’s funeral, to a man and a woman in a country western bar. They aren’t afraid to tackle any issue and the result will leave you laughing. Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Dr., Burbank. Prices vary. Dates vary through Sept 18. (818) 955-8101. falcontheatre.com.

UNDER THE OAKS This salon series offers music and performance outdoors. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Performances vary. $25. (310) 4553723. theatricum.com.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM The most magical outdoor setting in Los Angeles is once again transformed into an enchanted forest inhabited by lovers both fairy and human. Shakespeare conjures a world of wonder, magic and romance where comical misunderstandings and the pain of unrequited love are resolved, and all is reconciled through midsummer night revelries and the enduring power of nature. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Dates vary through Sept. 25. $10$39. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

PARALLEL LIVES Two women portray a crew of characters struggling through the common rituals of life:

TOM Ellen Geer’s free adaptation with music brings new eyes to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle

34 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE Eddie Carbone is a Brooklyn longshoreman obsessed with his 17-year-old niece, Catherine. When Catherine falls in love with a newly arrived immigrant, Eddie’s jealousy erupts in a rage that consumes him, his family and his world. Center Theatre Group/ Ahmanson Theatre At the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Through Oct. 16. $25-$125. (213) 972-4444 or centertheatregroup.org.

Tom’s Cabin.” Stowe’s great novel demanded freedom and equality for all, changing forever how Americans viewed slavery, galvanizing the abolition movement and contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Dates vary through Oct. 1. $10-$39. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

SHORT PLUS SWEET HOLLYWOOD The biggest little play festival in the world, an Australian powerhouse that has already made its mark worldwide with offshoots in the United Arab Emirates, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and Zimbabwe, arrives in the U.S. with 80 plays in 20 days. Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles. Through Sept.

25. shortandsweet.org.

LOS ANGELES WILDLIFE SYMPOSIUM Learn about local fauna, discover why urban biodiversity is important and find out how you can attract wildlife in your garden.

Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. $6-$9. (818) 949-4200. descansogardens.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

MOOMPETAM: NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL This weekend celebration features traditional cultural crafts, storytelling, educational

THROW ME ON THE BURNPILE AND LIGHT ME UP Written and performed by Lucy Alibar, this story blends a lecherous goat, Pentecostals on the radio, a clutter of inbred cats, phone calls from death row, daddy’s burnpile and countless other ingredients into a rich stew of about a singular childhood in Grady County, Florida. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 820 Washington Blvd, Culver City. $25-$70.

Dates vary through Oct. 2. (213) 972-4488. recordedinhollywood.com.

CALeNDAR WESTERN MUSIC ASSOCIATION SHOWCASE Musicians and cowboy poets perform stories and songs of the romantic days of the Old West, contemporary music of the American West and songs of the open range and the American cowboy. The Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles. $6-$10.

(323) 667-2000. theautry.org.

ROMEO AND JULIET Director Ellen Geer illuminates the continued relevance of this 500-year-old play, setting Shakespeare’s tale of forbidden love and warring families in East Jerusalem — a city beset by age-old prejudices, street violence and religious differences.

Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga.

Dates vary through Oct. 2. $10-$39.

(310) 455-3723. theatricum.com.

September/October LA/Ventura sand tiger and zebra sharks. The Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach.

Fridays through Dec. 30, except Oct. 28. Free.

(562) 590-3100. aquariumofpacific.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 NEIL SEDAKA Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. $68-$128. (888) 645-5006. sabantheatre.org.

A TASTE OF HONEY Shot through with love and humor, bursting with energy and daring, this exhilarating and angry depiction of harsh, workingclass life in post-war England offers an

explosive celebration of the vulnerabilities and strengths of the female spirit in a deprived and restless world. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Fri.-Sun. through Nov. 6. $25–$34. (310) 477-2055 x2. odysseytheatre.com.

performances are featured. The Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach.

Also Sept. 25. $27-$30. (562) 590-3100. aquariumofpacific.org.

BAJA SPLASH CULTURAL FESTIVAL This festival features live entertainment, crafts, educational programs, ethnic cuisine and special activities celebrating the beauty and diversity of Hispanic cultures through song, dance, art, and cultural displays.

Mariachi music, Mexican folkloric and Aztec dance troupes, interactive mural painting, Salvadoran dance and Guatemalan

VENTURA BLUEGRASS JAMS Milano’s Italian Restaurant, Patio, Ventura Harbor Village, 1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura.

(805) 658-0388. milanositalianrestaurant.com.

AWAKE AND SING! Clifford Odets’ gritty, passionate, funny and heartbreaking masterpiece about the hopes and struggles of a lower-middle-class, three-generation Jewish family living in a Bronx apartment during the Great Depression continues to resonate 81 years after its 1935 premiere. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Fri.-Sun. through Oct. 9. $25–$34. (310) 477-2055 x2. odysseytheatre.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

OCTOBER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 VIKKI CARR One of the most celebrated voices in the United States, Latin America, and Europe, Carr performs “It Must Be Him,” and other the hits.

Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. $55-$75. (562) 467-8818. cerritoscenter.com.

BOO AT THE L.A. ZOO Spooky caves filled with eerie sights and delights, and weekend frights including a graveyard safari, a boneyard education station, storytelling, live music, strolling characters, pumpkin carving and animal feedings. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Griffith Park, 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles. Through Oct. 31. $17-$20. (323) 644-6001. lazoo.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 FREE FIRST SUNDAY Free admission to the Museum of Ventura County including its galleries and any special events. Museum of Ventura County, 100 East Main St., Ventura. First Sunday of each month.

(805) 653-0323. venturamuseum.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5 GLENDALE NOON CONCERTS Sanctuary of Glendale City Church, 610 E. California Ave., Glendale, Glendale.

Free. (818) 242-2113. glendalenoonconcerts. blogspot.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

THE WOODY GUTHRIE STORY A tribute to the songwriter, folklorist and labor leader. The spirit of Woody Guthrie is brought to life through his own words and music in this signature event performed by members of the Geer family and their friends. Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. $5-$20. (310) 4553723. theatricum.com.

DONOVAN Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. $38-$58. (888) 645-5006. sabantheatre.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 SECOND SUNDAY CONCERT Pasadena Central Library, 285 E Walnut, Pasadena. Free. (626) 398-0658.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 GLENDALE NOON CONCERTS Sanctuary of Glendale City Church, 610 E. California Ave., Glendale, Glendale. Free.

(818) 242-2113. glendalenoonconcerts. blogspot.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 SHARK LAGOON NIGHTS Get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators. Touch bonnethead and bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as the

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

AN EVENING WITH SOPHIA LOREN

Synonymous with grace, beauty and artistry, Loren captivates audiences with an intimate onstage conversation and question-and-answer session. The legend’s prolific career spans more than five decades, garnering many accolades, including the first Oscar presented for a foreign language role for “Two Women.” Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. $90-$150.

(562) 467-8818. cerritoscenter.com.

VENTURA BLUEGRASS JAMS Milano’s Italian Restaurant, Patio, Ventura Harbor Village, 1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura.

(805) 658-0388. milanositalianrestaurant.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 SMOKEY ROBINSON: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL The Canyon, 28912 Roadside Dr., Agoura Hills. $88-$158. (818) 879-5016. canyonclub.net.

September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 35

CALeNDAR

September/October LA/Ventura FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

and razorfish through exhibit displays. The Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. Through March 31. $15 after 5 p.m. (562) 590-3100. aquariumofpacific.org.

CINDY SHERMAN: IMITATION OF LIFE This special exhibition features an expansive representation of Sherman’s photographs from throughout her influential career, as well as “Office Killer,” the 1997 feature film directed by the artist. The Broad, First Floor Gallery, 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Through Oct. 2. Dark Mondays. Free. thebroad.org.

BLOOD This political thriller with music shares the tale of the 1980s “Japanese Tainted Blood Scandal” in which 2,000 people died of AIDS after the U.S. knowingly sold contaminated blood to Japan. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Fri.-Sun. through Nov. 6. $25–$34. (310) 477-2055 x2. odysseytheatre.com.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT The enchanting Biblical parable of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to life in Andrew Lloyd Webber this musical. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Dates vary through Oct. 23. $40-$85.

(562) 467-8818. cerritoscenter.com.

SHIPWRECKED! An intrepid explorer who became an instant celebrity upon his return to civilization, Louis de Rougemont’s amazing tales of bravery, survival and exotic locales left 19th century England spellbound. But was it real or just a figment of his imagination? Will he be vindicated or will his reputation be ruined forever? International City Theatre, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Thurs.-Sun. through Nov. 6. $35-$49. (562) 436-4610. internationalcitytheatre.org.

eXHIBItIONS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12 SHARING CULTURE, CREATING COMMUNITY This exhibition explores the history of the Descanso Japanese Garden and celebrates how Japanese-style gardens energize diverse communities to create, interact and reflect.

Descanso Gardens, Sturt Haaga Gallery, 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge.

Through Jan. 29. $6-$9. (818) 949-4200. descansogardens.org.

HORSES AND DRAGONS While Pegasus is a mythical creature, did you know that winged horses really do exist in the ocean? Or, that male seadragons carry eggs until they hatch, and that seahorses can change color? Explore the mysterious realm of dragons and horses that dwell under the sea through these new exhibits, featuring about a dozen species of seahorses and seadragons and their relatives. See and learn more about the unusual animals in the Syngnathid group, which includes the sea moth (also known as Pegasus), seahorses, seadragons, pipefish

36 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

TATAU: MARKS OF POLYNESIA This exhibition explores the beauty of Samoan tattoos as well as the key role they play in the preservation and propagation of Samoan culture. Japanese American National Museum, 100 North Central Ave., Los Angeles. Through Jan. 8. $5-$9. (213) 625-0414. janm.org.

DINOSAURS: UNEXTINCT AT THE L.A. ZOO Seventeen life-size, life-like prehistoric creatures are on display in an all-new exhibit. Animatronic dinosaurs, brought to life with electronic “brains,” provide a rare chance to discover a lost world from millions upon millions of years ago. This exhibition includes a fossil dig, a stegosaurus robot with controls you can operate and a climbable pachyrhinosaurus. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Griffith Park, 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles. Sat.-Sun. through Oct. 31. $20.

(323) 644-6001. lazoo.org.

REVOLUTIONARY VISION Explore the intertwined legacies of f/64, California’s premier photo-modernist group, and Richard Misrach, one of the state’s most well-known contemporary photographers.

Includes works by Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, Richard Misrach, Edward Weston, and others who present changing visions of the Western landscape. The Autry National Center, Norman F. Sprague, Jr. Gallery, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Through Jan. 8, 2017. $6$10. (323) 667-2000. theautry.org.

CHASING DREAMS: BASEBALL AND BECOMING AMERICAN From Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax to Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, Roberto

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

A SKY IN THE PALM OF A HAND

This exhibition pairs Lloyd Hamrol’s site-specific, industrial felt sculptures and Joan Perlman’s abstract paintings and prints, creating an immersive, multimedia environment that provides a platform to consider the related ideas and sharp distinctions between two artists’ investigations of materials, processes, impermanence, and landscape. Though Hamrol and Perlman have an ongoing, collegial dialogue, the two Los Angeles-based artists have never exhibited together. Pasadena Museum of Art, Back Gallery, 490 East Union Street, Pasadena.

Through Feb. 19. $5-$7. Wed.-Sun. (626) 568-3665. pmcaonline.org.

Clemente, Fernando Valenzuela and Ichiro Suzuki, these players didn’t just play the game—they changed it. Through more than 130 original objects—including game-worn uniforms, films and historic footage, awards, baseball cards and signed memorabilia--this exhibition pays tribute to these major league game changers. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Through Oct. 30. $7-$10. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

RESPECT! OTIS REDDING AND THE REVOLUTION OF SOUL This exhibition offers a unique look at the influential career of the legendary King of Soul, and the lasting impact he made on

music and pop culture in such a short period of time. The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live, Fourth Floor Mike Curb Gallery, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. Through Sept. 15. $12-$13. (213) 765-6803. grammymuseum.org.

SHINING LIKE A NATIONAL GUITAR The 1920s were an exciting time for breakthroughs in entertainment technology, with the prominence of radio and talking movies. However, electric amplification of musical instruments was still rare and unreliable. Guitarists struggled to play a melody over the sound of other instruments. This was the challenge that George Beauchamp, a vaudeville Hawaiian guitarist, presented to John Dopyera, a musical instrument designer and repairman in Los Angeles. Following a few failed attempts, Dopyera developed a unique acoustic resonator instrument using a spun aluminum cone instead of a wooden top to amplify the vibrating strings, resulting in a louder, sweeter sounding instrument. The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live, Fourth Floor, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. Through Spring 2017. $12-$13. (213) 765-6803. grammymuseum.org.

Get the Word Out. E-mail your announcements to Claire Fadden, cfadden@lifeafter50.com 60 days prior (or even earlier) to your event. Include a brief description, location, date, time, cost, phone and website. Submission does not guarantee publication.

Something for Everyone at North Coast Rep by a.r. gurney “SIPS AND WIT. The laughter… almost continuous” — THE NEW YORK TIMES SEPTEMBER 7 – OCTOBER 2 Directed by Rosina Reynolds

Mix two upper-class New Englanders, their over-privileged adult children and endless cocktails for a delightfully intoxicating evening. Join us for this free-flowing comedy that The New Yorker praised as Gurney’s “best play he has done.”

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OCTOBER 19 – NOVEMBER 13 Directed by Tom Markus From the gifted pen of America’s favorite playwright, Neil Simon, comes one of his funniest plays. As you clutch your sides in laughter, you’ll see why The New York Times hailed LAUGHTER as “one of Simon’s best, most enduring and endearing plays.”

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September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 37

Rick Steves’ Travels RICK ST EVES’ T RAVELS

Crawling Into the Comfort of Europe’s Pubs and Cafés

A

By Rick Steves

fter a busy day in Vienna, there is nothing like retreating to a velvet couch at the renowned Café Hawelka.

The decor here is circa 1900, with smoke-andcoffee-stained furniture and walls adorned with paintings by struggling artists (who couldn’t pay for coffee). This creaky Viennese institution, where intellectuals such as Leon Trotsky once stewed, has become my local living room when visiting Austria.

All over Europe, I seek out cozy establishments such as this to relax, nurse a drink, and strike up a conversation. Delving into the café culture and historic pubs of the world’s most elegant cities is an enriching way to get some distance from the sightseeing crowds, lighten up a museum-heavy itinerary, reflect on my travels, and pick up on some insider lore.

Vienna’s Café Hawelka is the creative epicenter for artists, poets, and revolutionaries.

Old Man Hawelka himself may have served a melange (as they would have called their cappuccino) to Trotsky, Stalin, Klimt, or Freud in the early 1900s. I ponder how, in the last days of Europe’s family-run empires (essentially all of which died with the end of World War I), Vienna was a place of intellectual tumult — and coffeehouses like this were the social backdrop.

Across town, the iconic Café Sperl dates from 1880 and is still furnished identically to the day it opened — from the coat tree to the gold chandeliers to the ornately upholstered chairs.

An afternoon in this cultural treasure feels like an afternoon among the city’s 19th century creative minds and military elite. With a wide selection of newspapers, and take-all-the-time-you-want charm (despite the famously grumpy waiters), every Viennese coffeehouse offers its own individual character and a welcoming space oozing with history.

In Venice, the venerable Caffè Florian is perfect for a sightseeing break. Sitting elegantly on St. Mark’s Square, Caffè Florian has been a popular spot for a discreet rendezvous since 1720, and everyone from Lord Byron to Woody Allen has paid too much for a drink here. Tourists stake out tables on the square to people-watch and enjoy the Caffè Florian orchestra, which performs each hour with a repertoire including classical, jazz, operetta, and Venetian. But for elegance and ambience, romantics sit inside to appreciate richly decorated rooms, each with a historic or artistic theme, such as the “Room of the Illustrious Men,” which features portraits of great Venetians from Marco Polo to Titian.

You’ll find more cozy comfort in Amsterdam’s bruin (brown) cafés.

These after-hours hangouts get their name

from their dark hardwood interiors and nicotinestained walls, embracing the gezellig (cozy) quality that the Dutch hold dear. Don’t confuse these with “coffeeshops,” where the Dutch gather to buy and smoke marijuana (coffeeshop windows display plants and Rastafarian colors). Brown cafés project a more elegant atmosphere and usually specialize in beer, while others focus on Dutch gin (jenever) and most also serve wine and coffee. Drop in and linger over a drink. Whether in a brown café jammed with noisy patrons or one that’s sleepy and mellow, you’ll find a convivial living room.

In London, the pub is the heart of the people’s England, where all manner of folks have, for generations, found a home away from home. In class-conscious Victorian times, traditional pubs were divided into sections by elaborate screens (now mostly gone), allowing the wealthy to drink in a more refined setting, while commoners congregated on the pub’s rougher side. These “public houses” became comfortable places for groups and clubs to meet, friends and lovers to rendezvous, and families to get out of the house at night. In London, my favorite pub scene is at South Kensington’s Anglesea Arms. Set in a beautiful Georgian building lined with flower boxes spilling color around communal picnic tables, the place is filled with musty paintings and old-timers, dogs wearing Union Jack vests, and a long line of tempting tap handles. Today, timeworn taverns such as the Anglesea Arms are national treasures that still make a cheery refuge from the daily grind or a brief escape for a tired traveler.

After taking in the sights of Europe’s magnificent cities, look for an inviting café or pub where you can soak in the locals’ enthusiasm for their national heritage and traditions. Slow down and experience a good cup of coffee or local beer — and make yourself at home. You’ll return with a broader perspective, some interesting stories, and maybe even a new friend.

Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and radio. You can e-mail him at rick@ricksteves.com and visit his website at www.ricksteves.com.

38 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

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And Finally...

The Bookworm’s Best A Life After 50 book review

by Terri “The Bookworm” Schlichenmeyer

First Dads: Parenting and Politics from George Washington to Barack Obama

By Joshua Kendall

A

h, dear old dad…he can fix almost anything, make something from nothing, and he tells great bedtime stories. He’s the Workshop King, Master of the Television Remote, Lord of the Grill, The Yard Czar, and he likes to think he rules the house, too.

In the new book “First Dads” by Joshua Kendall, dads do rule a house: the most famous one on the face of the planet – the White House.

While George Washington, the Father of Our Country, was not a father, 38 U.S. presidents have produced progeny. Kendall classifies those first dads in groups according to their parenting styles, which sometimes reflected their leadership styles.

Because Franklin D. Roosevelt, for example, was simply too busy to provide much guidance to his children, he was a viewed as a “Preoccupied Dad.” Ronald Reagan also fell under the preoccupied category, as did Zachary Taylor, Jimmy Carter, and Lyndon Johnson.

Kendall says that Ulysses Grant and Teddy Roosevelt were both “Playful Pal” dads meaning they were permissive fathers who were happiest with their children around. Woodrow Wilson, despite his dour reputation, was lighthearted with his kids, too.

John Tyler was an example of a “Double-Dealing Dad.” He had nine children with his first wife, seven kids with his second wife, and a rumored 52 children by slaves and free black women. He didn’t publicly acknowledge any of the latter, nor did Warren Harding, Thomas Jefferson, or Grover Cleveland ever publicly acknowledge their illegitimate offspring.

John Adams, his son John Quincy Adams, and Dwight Eisenhower were “Tiger Dads” who demanded exceptional behavior from their children. Harry Truman, Rutherford Hayes and Barack Obama have been tagged as “Nurturer Dads.”

The book also deals with presidents who have lost children, including Franklin Pierce who never recovered from the death of his youngest son, and George H.W. Bush who never got over the death of his preschool daughter.

Imagine having a family of your own and then becoming responsible for 124 million more families.

Some presidents have done well at both and some, as you’ll see in “First Dads,” were real duds. Much of that, of course, is a matter of conjecture and history, but Kendall takes things a little further in this book. Here, we get an idea of the parenting the presidents received and the childhoods they enjoyed (or didn’t), which, perhaps, affected the kind of parenting they gave their own children. Kendall also reveals what it was like for the wives of these men, the emotional legacy they left their children, and what became of those sons and daughters.

This is a great book for dad, grandpa or the presidential historian in your family. It’s an absorbing read, too, so if you need a book that’ll last awhile, “First Dads” could become very dear to you.

“First Dads: Parenting and Politics from George Washington to Barack Obama” by Joshua Kendall, 2016, Grand Central, $27, 392 pages.

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer who lives on a hill with two dogs and more than 12,000 books. You can read more of her book reviews at www.lifeafter50.com. Just click on “Entertainment” and then “Book Reviews.”

A Look Back

Just A Thought Before We Go

F

ifty years ago this month, the U.S.S. Enterprise under the command of Captain James T. Kirk embarked on a five year mission to explore strange new worlds, to seek new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man had gone before. Created by Gene Roddenberry, “Star Trek” ran for three seasons on NBC. The show, which starred William Shatner as the captain of the 23rd century interstellar exploration done under the auspices of the United Federation of Planets, became a cult phenomenon that was noted for its progressive civil rights stances, which included one of television’s first multiracial casts. Fans of the franchise, known as Trekkies, embraced the show that has evolved into a billion-dollar franchise including feature films, animated and television spin-offs, games, figurines, novels, toys and comics. Today, far more relevant than it was during its original run, “Star Trek’s” most recent offering was a 13th feature, “Star Trek Beyond,” released last month to coincide with the franchise’s 50th anniversary, and a new “Star Trek” television series slated to premiere in January 2017 on CBS All Access. In a nod to the iconic show’s 50th anniversary, the complete original series is now available on DVD at www.startrek.com and William Shatner will be featured on next month’s cover of Life After 50.

42 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

“He who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden.”

– Plato

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lifeafter50.com

RETIRING AMERICANS

Are Embracing Mexico

AGING-IN-PLACE

is best addressed sooner rather than later

Hal Linden

A Chat With The “Barney Miller” Star

Meet the man behind the anchor desk of “NBC Nightly News with

Lester Holt

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Contents

September 2016

10

26

30

Cover Profile

Departments

10 Lester Holt

6 50-Plus: What You Need to Know

Meet the man behind the anchor desk of “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.”

A quick look at things 50-plusers should be aware of.

Features

The best in September television viewing.

32 Tuned In To What’s On

34 Let’s Get Out

18 Living Life South Of The Border

Looking to get out and about? Our September/October calendar has some great suggestions.

Once a vacation destination, some retiring Americans are embracing Mexico as home.

38 Rick Steves’ Travels

22 Should You Stay Or Should You Go?

Crawling into the comfort of Europe’s pubs and cafes.

“Aging-in-place” is a phrase best addressed sooner rather than later.

26 The Look Of Life After 50 – Hal Linden

The star of “Barney Miller”on his most iconic role, aging, and much more.

30 The Hallowed Hall Of Must-Knowtables – Edward R. Murrow Legendary notables that everyone, of every age, should know.

38

42 And Finally…The Bookworm’s Best, A Look Back and Just A Thought Before We Go

A book suggestion, memory, and a little something to leave you with.

Cover photo courtesy of NBC News

All material published within this issue of Life After 50 and on www.lifeafter50.com is strictly for informational and educational purposes only. No individual, advice, product or service is in any way endorsed by Life After 50 or Southland Publishing, Inc. or provided as a substitute for the reader’s seeking of individualized professional advice or instruction. Readers should seek the advice of qualified professionals on any matter regarding an individual, advice, recommendations, services or products covered within this issue. All information and material is provided to readers with the understanding that it comes from various sources from which there is no warranty or responsibility by Life After 50 or Southland Publishing, Inc. as to its or their legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

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Editor’s Note...

What If…

Publisher Valarie Anderson

T

his space usually includes a photo of the individuals we are featuring in the issue. This month, we only have a photo of actor Hal Linden, although the reason for excluding NBC anchorman Lester Holt is not because we didn’t try.

“I’m a reporter at heart,” said Holt, who proceeded to make good on that statement by having to cancel out on a photo shoot with me – twice. Our first scheduled appointment was canceled literally as I sat waiting to meet with him in 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the New York building that houses NBC News. A sniper had shot and killed five police officers in Dallas and the decision was made to get Holt on a plane headed for Texas right away. One week later, with another appointment scheduled, the cancellation call came as I was making my way into New York City to meet with him. Due to the Bastille Day truck attack in Nice, Holt’s morning trek to 30 Rock had been diverted to the airport and then on to France.

“It’s hard to make plans in this job, because you never know what any moment may bring when something breaks somewhere in the world,” Holt told me. “That’s the nature of news, and because I’m a reporter at heart, I like to be on the big stories.”

There are some, perhaps, who may have found those cancellations of plans to be a great irritant. Not me. Finding myself with unexpected free time in New York, the city I grew up in, I treated myself to a wonderful time roaming around the cemetery where my family is buried, eating New York-style pizza and an Italian ice, spending time with a few old friends I haven’t seen in over 30 years, and visiting some of the hallowed haunts of my youth, including Lemon Creek on Staten Island, where I spent every summer of my childhood.

I never take the time to do those sorts of things when I’m back east for business, so although my real reason for being there fell through, it turned out to be a most treasured time I will always remember.

The following week, back home in Los Angeles, my meeting with Hal Linden proved to be a much easier-to-pin-down situation for an interview and photo shoot. Catching him during a break in rehearsal for his upcoming run in “The Fantasticks” at The Pasadena Playhouse, we talked about many things, from “Barney Miller” to his view on the state of our nation and the current presidential campaign (which he refers to as a commedia dell’arte).

Charming, witty and totally entertaining, Linden also spoke of his career and how it could have very easily never materialized. “All of our lives are ‘what if’ stories,” he told me.

As he went on to explain the serendipitous way in which he became an actor, that phrase - “what if” - burned in my brain. What if my recent trips to New York had seen me simply accomplish what my plans had called for? What if I hadn’t had all that free time to do all those things I did: roam around my old hometown, rekindle friendships and make wonderful memories?

Linden is right, I thought to myself as he continued the tale of how his career began: No matter what great plans we may make, the fact can’t be denied, our lives are truly made up of “what if” stories.

David Laurell, Editor-in-Chief

4 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

Editor-in-Chief David Laurell Associate Editors Steve Stoliar Claire Yezbak Fadden Art Director Michael Kraxenberger Editorial Assistant Max Andrews Controller Kacie Cobian Human Resources Andrea E. Baker Business Manager Linda Lam Billing Supervisor David Garcia VP Of Operations David Comden

Account Executives: San Diego County/Orange County Phil Mendelson Phil@LifeAfter50.com Travel/Los Angeles James Thomopoulos James@LifeAfter50.com For advertising/distribution inquiries contact: Valarie Anderson (310) 822-1629 x 121, Valarie@LifeAfter50.com 5301 Beethoven St., Suite 183 LA CA 90066 Valarie Anderson Valarie@LifeAfter50.com 310 822-1629 x 121

To contact our editorial department: (818) 563-1007

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©2016 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved

A September Thought

“By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer’s best of weather And autumn’s best of cheer.”

– Helen Hunt Jackson

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50

Do Something Grand

Plus

What You Need To Know

By Claire Yezbak Fadden and Max Andrews

Meet A Legendary Love

F

rom their California roots to international fame, The Beach Boys are a unique American story. Founding member Mike Love has spent an extraordinary 55 years as the group’s lead singer and one of its principal lyricists. In his new book, “Good Vibrations: My Life as a Beach Boy” (Blue Rider Press, 2016), Love tells the story of his legendary, raucous and ultimately triumphant five-decade career. The book’s release is timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the debut of The Beach Boys’ hit song, “Good Vibrations.” Love describes the stories behind his lyrics for pop classics such as “California Girls,” “Surfin’ USA,” and “Kokomo,” while providing vivid portraits of the turbulent lives of his three gifted cousins, Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson.

For Life After 50 readers in the Los Angeles area, this month will provide you the opportunity to actually meet Love as he signs copies of his memoir on September 17 at Book Soup located at 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.

Fifty Candles

F

ifty years ago this month, numerous television shows that would go on to become classics premiered, including “The Monkees,” “That Girl” and “Star Trek.” The Beatles album “Revolver” hit number one, Donovan scored a number-one single with “Sunshine Superman” and Neil Diamond saw his name appear on the Billboard charts for the first time with “Cherry Cherry.” President Lyndon Johnson signed the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act into law. Muhammad Ali beat Karl Mildenberger in a 12-round technical knock-out to claim the World Heavyweight boxing title, and the first generation of the Chevrolet Camaro, originally name the Panther, debuted. Notable personalities born in September 1966 who are celebrating their 50th birthday this month include actresses Jill Whelan, Salma Hayek and Ruth Jones, actors Adam Sandler, Tuc Watkins and Lavan Davis, NBA player Tim Hardaway, NFL player Ken Norton, Jr., astronaut Stephanie Wilson, news anchor Soledad O’Brien and rapper Doug E. Fresh.

6 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

T

his year, Grandparents Day is celebrated on September 11. The day provides a wonderful opportunity to bring young family members and older relatives together. Celebrate this year by doing something grand, such as starting a digital journal that includes family history, stories and photos of relatives who have passed on. A project like this can incorporate every family member who can provide photos, drawings, stories, memories, poems, and even video or audio recordings of shared recollections. Be assured, this journal will become a family heirloom to be treasured from one generation to the next. For more grand ideas, click on www.grandparentsday.org.

A Treasure Trove Of Tubed Testosterone

I

n his newly released book, “Dashing, Daring, and Debonair” (Taylor Trade, 2016), television historian Herbie J Pilato dishes up profiles on 70 of television’s top male icons of the 1950s through ‘70s. The book, with a foreword by Adam West, is divided into eight parts, including “Jacks of All Trades,” such as Jack Webb, Desi Arnaz and Danny Thomas, whose talents stretched to acting, producing and directing; “Johnny Angels,” the heartthrobs like David Cassidy, Ricky Nelson and Bobby Sherman; and “The Doctors, the Defenders and the Dependables” which covers everyone from Alan Alda to Robert Young. Be they actors, comedians, singers, dancers, talk show hosts or personalities, just about every male television star of the era, from George Burns, Milton Berle and Jack Benny to Jackie Gleason, Sid Caesar and Cesar Romero is included. Pilato is the author of several books on media and celebrities and has produced for numerous television networks and film studios. He also established Television, Ink., a production company geared toward family entertainment, and The Classic TV Preservation Society, a nonprofit organization that seeks to close the gap between popular culture and education.

A Little More You Need To Know

Where You Need To Go Admire Architectural Art On The Gamble’s 50th

The Most Important Thing To Know This Month

Man Up To Save Your Life

E I

n the half-century since Pasadena’s Gamble House Museum opened, it has become one of the most beloved premier historic sites in America. On Sunday, September 25, the museum turns back the clock as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and will offer self-paced tours for just $1 admission. A series of celebratory events will also take place throughout September, culminating in the public party on the 25th that will include family activities, live musical performances and food trucks.

Hailed by the American Institute of Architects as “formulators of a new and native architecture,” Charles Sumner Greene (1868–1957) and Henry Mather Greene (1870–1954) designed houses and furnishings a century ago that established a new paradigm for the art of architecture in the United States. Visitors are immersed in what Charles Greene called “architecture as a fine art.” Drawing on the skills of outstanding craftsmen, as well as their own polytechnic training, formal architectural education, and natural artistic sensibilities, Greene and Greene created legendary living environments that were beautiful, functional and modern.

The flowering of the Greenes’ careers together was brief and typically benefited a discriminating and wealthy clientele. They produced their most characteristic work between 1906 and 1914, primarily in and around Pasadena. Of their fully coordinated houses with interior furnishings, only the Gamble House, located at 4 Westmoreland Place in Pasadena, survives intact.

For more information on the Gamble House’s 50th anniversary, call (626) 793-3334 or click on www.gamblehouse.org.

New Words You might not find all of these words in a dictionary yet, but they’re a part of the everyday American vocabulary.

Here’s what they mean.

Ear Worm: A song or jingle that gets stuck in your mind.

Equalist: A person who doesn’t discriminate against any individual, believing that everyone has the same rights.

Quarter-Life Crisis: Someone in their mid-20s who feels anxious over the direction of their life or doubtful of their life choices. A crisis of twentysomethings who wonder when or if a meaningful life, career or relationship will begin.

very year, thousands of American men die needlessly as a result of ignorance or apathy. This is because they avoid having an annual prostate exam and develop prostate cancer, a disease that, caught in its early stages, is usually highly treatable. It is for that reason the Prostate Health Council of the American Foundation for Urologic Disease has designated September as Prostate Health Month, a time to educate men, and those who love them, on prostate disease, treatment and maintaining prostate health.

Prostate problems including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate, prostatitis and cancer are extremely common. In fact, eight in ten 10 will eventually develop an enlarged prostate and one in 10 men will develop prostate cancer. Despite the prevalence of prostate disease, many men lack awareness about prostate health or are reluctant to seek treatment. This year alone, it is estimated that more than 29,000 men will die of this disease, making it the second leading cause

of cancer death of U.S. men. However, if diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent and at 10 years post diagnosis, 98 percent of men diagnosed early, remain alive.

It is important for men to learn about both non-aggressive, slow-growing forms of prostate cancer and aggressive forms of this disease through conversations with their doctors. In addition, because there has been controversy in recent years over when men should be screened for prostate cancer, there is great need for all men to learn about prostate cancer screening methods, including the drawbacks and benefits to some current screening tests.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is a leader in funding and accelerating the world’s most-promising prostate cancer research. And PCF is also a go-to organization for disseminating prostate health information to men. They offer multiple forms of information about this disease and, along with the awareness month of September, are committed to make each month of the year a time for men to stay informed, aware and involved in the fight against prostate cancer. For more information click on www.pcf.org.

September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 7

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Are you experiencing any of the following: fatigue, nausea, swelling, joint pain, bags under the eyes, bloating, cellulite, varicose veins, or difficulty with weight loss? The cause may be your lymph system!

The lymphatic system drains fluids from your body and helps remove toxins and waste products from your tissues.

Lymph function supports your immune, digestive and nervous systems, and helps keep the body healthy.

This system is not very well known popularly, but it is vital to your overall health. Here are just a few of the vital things to know about this system. The lymph vessels connect to almost every cell in your body, and there is more fluid in the lymph system than there is blood in your body. Twice as much in fact.

It is the vital system in disease prevention, as it is where white blood cells, the blood cells that help fight infections, are created and stored. This system also helps create the antibodies needed to get rid of an invading organism.

However, unlike the blood in the body that moves based on the contractions of the heart, the lymph system depends on muscle contraction and manual manipulation to move fluid.

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A lymphatic system detox can increase the natural drainage of the lymph system and flush toxins into the lymph circulatory system so they can be cleared out of the body. A detox of this system can also improve blood flow and circulation. It can reduce swelling and pain in the legs, reduce water retention, and improve venous circulation.

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COVER PROFILE

The anchor of “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” shares his views on journalism, the 2016 presidential campaign and much more

Lester Holt

By David Laurell Photos courtesy NBC News

U

nless he has been dispatched to an area of the nation or the globe that is either reveling or suffering as the momentary epicenter of the world’s attention, Lester Holt, the anchor of “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt” and “Dateline NBC” begins his work day shortly after 9 a.m. as he enters one of New York’s most storied addresses: 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

I

t is in that famous Art Deco building that has housed the offices, newsrooms, technical facilities and studios of the National Broadcasting Company since 1933, that, from behind his office desk, Holt looks out on the Channel Gardens adorned with seasonally themed flora that soften the hardscape between the Prometheusguarded skating rink and Fifth Avenue.

“This is the coolest address in television,” he states, with a pride befitting his network’s iconic peacock. “Not a day goes by that I don’t walk in here and not think about the history of this building. I look out this window many times throughout the day, watching the tourists from all over the world and seeing the buzz and excitement around this place. When you think of all the history of this place, and all the broadcasts that come out of here now: ‘The Today Show,’ ‘Dateline,’ ‘The Tonight Show,’ ‘Late Night,’ it’s really an amazing place.”

The amazement of that place which harbors NBC’s rich broadcasting history and its legendary ghosts – Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Dave Garroway, Chet Huntley, David Brinkley and John Chancellor to name a few – each who did so much to influence the way Americans think and laugh and live their lives, hits Holt even harder when, eight hours after his arrival, he makes his way to Studio 3B to apprise the nation of the day’s happenings.

“When I walk through the halls on the third floor, there are video screens that flip from one image to another that shows you what was done in each studio over the years,” Holt points out. “The studio where we do ‘NBC Nightly News’ was once used for ‘The Today Show,’ back when Tom [Brokaw] and Jane Pauley were there. Every bit of this place is a real history lesson.”

Back in the early 1980s, when Brokaw and Pauley presided over “The Today Show,” and then Brokaw eventually left to take over the reins of “NBC Nightly News,” Holt, who had attended California State University, had already cut his teeth in broadcasting. Beginning his career as a reporter with WCBS in New York he then went on to do reporting and weekend anchor duties with KNXT in Los Angeles. The experience he garnered in the nation’s top two television markets then took him to Chicago for what would be a 14-year stint as a reporter and anchor at the Windy City’s CBS affiliate WBBM. Joining NBC News in 2000 as an afternoon anchor at MSNBC, Holt worked on “The Today Show,” “Dateline,” MSNBC’s “Lester Holt Live” and, in 2007, began anchoring the weekend broadcasts of “NBC Nightly News.”

In 2015, Holt replaced Brian Williams as the weekday anchor of “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt,” making him the first African-American to be the sole lead anchor on one of the three major broadcast networks’ weekday nightly newscast.

Holt and his wife Carol, who are the parents of adult sons, Stefan and Cameron, live in Manhattan, just a short distance from 30 Rock where Life After 50 recently caught up with the man who is the face of NBC News.

We began our conversation by asking him to give us an idea of what his day is like leading up to his evening broadcasts.

Lester Holt (LH): I’m usually in the office by 9 a.m. or so and at 9:30 we have a meeting where we hash over the stories we are going after, where our correspondents are, and who will be assigned to what story. That meeting is just to set the stage for the day. From then on, I’m in and out of meetings all day with producers discussing stories we are working on, planning the logistics of getting reporters or me there and back. It’s also important that I’m here and available throughout the day in case something breaks – for special reports. Then around 2:30, we really start rolling our sleeves up in a big way to determine what we’ll be including in that evening’s broadcast.

We have an editorial meeting that we call our “rundown meeting.” That is

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where we walk it all through and see, if we were to go on the air right then, what the broadcast would look like. It’s a gut check for all of us to see if the stories we will be presenting are working, if we have everything we need. That 2:30 meeting is when we first lay out the broadcast, and then it all quickly accelerates from there. I will have some writing to do. I will also tape promos for local NBC affiliates and that pushes us to air time at 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Life After 50 (LA50): Unlike you, when most Americans turn in each evening, they have no expectation that a 2 a.m. call may come in telling them to get up and grab their “go bag” because they’ll be on a flight to Texas, or Europe, or somewhere in the Middle East in a few hours.

LH: Yeah, it happens that way sometimes. It’s hard to make plans in this job, because you never know what any moment may bring when something breaks somewhere in the world. That’s the nature of news, and because I’m a reporter at heart, I like to be on the big stories. So whenever a big story breaks, there is an immediate conversation that takes place as to what resources we have to cover it and if I should personally go to the scene. That is typically a quick conversation, because I have a bar that if it is a story that will command a lot of the broadcast and one that I think I can better leverage by getting key interviews or key access, then we’ll go.

LA50: It is greatly appreciated by the news-consuming public to hear an anchor of your stature say that you are a reporter at heart.

LH: I say that a lot, especially if I’m speaking with kids who are thinking about pursuing a career in broadcast journalism. I know that anchoring seems like it’s a big deal, and yes, it is prestigious, and yes, it pays more money, but when I look at my career, the things that have been the most memorable, the most fun and rewarding have been those that have taken place out in the field and not sitting behind a glass desk in a studio.

LA50: As an unbiased journalist, there is a level of professionalism that must be maintained, no matter how devastating or heartbreaking or moving a story may be. And yet, every anchor and reporter is a human being with human emotions. Have there been times when something you have been covering has really impacted you in an emotional way?

LH: The longer I have been in this business and the more mature I have become, the more I realize you can be unbiased, be a good reporter, and still have feelings. There are many feelings I have about any given story that are not editorial; they are things that would touch the emotions of any human being. I’m sitting here in my office right now looking at a photo on my wall of me in Hungary last fall documenting the migrant crisis. When I was there, speaking to those folks, I realized they are just like me. They are parents who, along with their kids, have risked everything, sailing to Greece or making their way through Europe. I remember talking to people – parents – in Baltimore after the riots that broke out there last spring over the Freddie Gray situation. They talked about the fears they have for their kids, about growing up in this environment, their views of the police. When you are talking to people, you can’t help but to relate to them. I have always said that one of the most interesting things about doing what I do for a living is sitting and talking

12 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

to people when they are often at their lowest moment, their most vulnerable moment, when they have been through a horrible tragedy or an unimaginable loss. I have learned by speaking with these folks that you don’t know what you are capable of until you are tried and tested in that way. I think it is fascinating to see how people deal with great adversity. I think that is one of the most interesting parts of the job for me.

LA50: Everyone who has the desire to become a journalist does so because they were inspired by those they watched or read when they were young. Who were some of the journalists that inspired you?

LH: I am not just saying this because I work for NBC: It was Tom Brokaw.

I watched him since he was a White House correspondent, and then, of course, when he came here to New York to anchor. I grew up in Northern California and when I was young, there was an anchor in Sacramento at KCRA, Stan Atkinson, who was also one of those who inspired me. I always tell young journalists to watch television and figure out who you like and, more importantly, what it is that you like about them. Why do you think that person is a great communicator? Why do they leap off the screen to you? Why do you relate to them? I encourage young people to ascertain that and then mimic those things that they admire. That’s what I did. I remember what a big deal it was when Max Robinson was tapped to serve as an anchor for ABC. I was just coming of age at that time – I was in my late teens. That was a big deal to me, to see an African-American in an important role with a major news organization. I’m always very mindful of the path that was paved by Max Robinson, and Bernard Shaw, and Carole Simpson. They were the folks who broke the color barrier in journalism and opened the doors for the rest of us.

LA50: Journalism and journalists are seemingly not as revered today as they were in times past. What is your call on the state of journalism today?

LH: Well, first, let me say that I appreciate your use of the term “journalism” because so many people use the term “the media,” which, while it certainly encompasses journalism, has taken on different meanings. I’m a big believer in what some people disparagingly call “the mainstream media.” I am proudly a part of the mainstream media. To me, that represents folks who still cover news the old fashioned way: we fact check, we attribute our sources, we tell you what we know and also what we don’t know. That is the basics of good news gathering and reporting. That has not changed with the major news organizations. What has changed is the competitive environment. There are a lot of people who are producing and reporting news today, some of it comes from NBC News and some of it comes from someone Tweeting about something they heard or think they heard out there. Today, people are being bombarded with so much information from so many different sources without the filters that used to be in place. That is why I am a big believer in news organizations like NBC and our major competitors who offer people a place where they can tune in to fact check the day; to know that what you are seeing

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and hearing is coming from responsible journalists who have asked about the things they have heard, worked hard to find out if what they have head is true, what it means, and how big a deal it may be. That is our role, and I think it has increased in its importance as Americans have gotten more and more bombarded with more and more unfiltered information.

LA50: So many people today are getting the lion’s share of their news and information from social media.

LH: That is true, and that is why mainstream news organizations have embraced so many different forms of media. We certainly aren’t sitting here at NBC News in New York having tucked ourselves into the mindset that we can continue to do things the way we did in the 1980s. It doesn’t work that way.

Here is how I look at it: What we – the major news organizations – do hasn’t changed when it comes to solid reporting and fact checking and attributing sources. What has changed is the way we deliver the news – how we reach our audience. That constantly continues to evolve. Our job is to chase the viewers where they are – a television, a phone, a computer – giving them different ways to consume the news. But for NBC and the other major news organizations, the basics of gathering and reporting news have not changed that much.

LA50: Talk about today’s news cycle that plays out in real time on social media and cable news. How does that impact how you and your team plan your nightly newscasts?

LH: Once we looked at news as having a 24-hour cycle, but today, things move so quickly. I mentioned earlier that we all come together for a 9:30 a.m. meeting and we plan out the day and all agree on what is the big story of that day that will be our lede. But by 2:30 in the afternoon, we start to question if it is still the big story, because it has played out all day on cable. So because things move so rapidly and are covered in real time, that has complicated what we do a bit. It gives us a daily challenge to make sure that when we come on the air at 6:30 in the evening, that we are relevant and hitting the stories that are fresh, or at least that we’re putting a fresh angle on them.

Social media and the cable stations, MSNBC and their competitors, have become a big staple out there. They are out there working on stories all day long, so they challenge us at “NBC Nightly News” to bring viewers something new and fresh.

LA50: You have a unique vantage point from which to observe the 2016 presidential campaign. I guess there may be many adjectives that could be used to describe this race, but most agree it has been and is one of the most remarkable presidential campaigns ever waged. How do you think journalists have done in covering this campaign and Secretary Clinton and Mr. Trump?

LH: I think it is fair to say we were all caught off-guard by the Republican primary race, with so many candidates, that resulted in a nominee that, six months ago, no one would have ever expected. That has created a lot of excitement. But at the same time, it has caused a lot of drama. I think

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that because this has been such a dramatic campaign, it has provided a real challenge for those in the news business, certainly for us here at NBC News, to not get caught up in a lot of the crazy drama and to really focus on holding these two candidates’ feet to the fire. In a news cycle where things can completely change in a short time – six to eight hours – it is incumbent upon us, as a responsible news source, to hold up our hands and say: “Wait a minute!”

To hold off on reporting something until we can put our fact checking machine into action. At NBC News, we do that every day. I’m proud to work with an incredible group of presidential campaign reporters who are out there in the field – in the trenches – working seven days a week and not letting anything slip by them. Come November, the American public is going to have an important choice to make, and it is our job to make sure the American public is properly informed, so that they know what they are voting for and who they are voting for and where the candidates stand on issues. In a campaign like this one, there are a lot of shiny objects out there flashing, and a lot of smoke coming from all sides, so it is our job – one that we take very seriously – to cut through all of that. It is imperative to every person who works for NBC News to do that.

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APPROVAL

LA50: As the man sitting behind one of the world’s most important anchor desks – where you get to see the events of our nation and our world played out every day – do you have any personal feelings or thoughts as to where we are in late 2016 as a people, as a nation, as a world?

OK

LH: I think there is a lot of snarkiness and meanness out there. I think, though, that it is amplified through social media, more than what really exists. I think, in some instances, many of the problems and the way they are addressed by people seem to be much bigger than they really are because of the rhetoric. But I do, at times, fear that we are losing the ability to have a really good substantive debate that doesn’t result in an argument but rather is just a good two-way conversation in which people are really listening and each side is being heard.

I think that part of our role in presenting the news is to try and foster that conversation – to foster an informed debate in which people can share their views with one another. I worry sometimes that people seem to treat political issues as if they are pulling for a sports team. I think, at times, people get so invested in their team that they get so emotional and wrapped up in cheering for their team that they are not having the conversation we should all be having, about what is the best way to address the problems we all face, to know what realistic options we may have, to work together to solve our problems. I know that may sound a bit Pollyannaish for a journalist, but I think in our role – gathering and disseminating news – it is done at its best when we give people the information they need so that they can make really informed decisions.

I know that with any given story we or any news organization does, it is going to step on someone’s world view. That can be painful and it can make people flinch, but that’s our job, to put truthful information out there.

CHANGES

APPROVAL

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PM: Tarrah Manno

Notes: 1/2 PG 4C

OK CHANGES

LA50: You have such a demanding job, but can you share a bit about the things you enjoy when you are away from work?

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LH: I enjoy music. I’m a bass player – both an upright and an electric guitar.

I’ve been playing since I was in high school. We here at NBC have put together

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a little rock ‘n’ roll band – we call ourselves the Thirty Rockers – and it’s made up of some of my colleagues. We try to get together a few times a month to play. Some of the guys in the band are tape editors at “Dateline.” They’re rock ‘n’ rollers, and while I’m not a huge rock ‘n’ roll guy, they have helped me embrace my inner rocker [laughs], so we’re doing Rolling Stones covers and Billy Squire and Jefferson Starship stuff. I love it and I’m having a lot of fun stretching my musical muscles.

LA50: Let’s imagine a beautiful Sunday in which you have no work demands. What is the perfect day for Lester Holt?

LH: My wife and I would go to church, and then, from our church, it’s only a five-minute walk to Central Park. Strolling around Central Park is just amazing. I love the musicians playing all over and doing some people watching, seeing the kids sailing their boats in the pond. Then we would take the subway downtown and have lunch in some little place in Greenwich Village. That would be a pretty cool Sunday.

LA50: You look like you’re in great shape. Do you adhere to any sort of exercise regimen or diet?

LH: I try to get to the gym every other day. I do a lot of plyometric weight exercises. I do a lot of high-intensity type of activity. As for eating, unfortunately, I’m a sugarholic. But I’m really working on that and I try to go easy on the carbs as much as possible. I do eat a lot of fish. And when it comes to doing all the things you’re supposed to do, I’m not fully compliant, but I’m getting better.

16 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

LA50: We’re always curious with everyone we talk to, as the years have passed, if they have adopted any thoughts or philosophy on getting older.

LH: We’re such a youth-driven culture and, like a lot of people, I get caught up in that a bit. But we’re all getting older each day and I like to think I’ m doing it, and will continue to do it, on my terms as much as possible. I know that, as we get older, some things are out of our control – the way our bodies age. But to the extent that I can keep myself well by exercising and eating right, my goal is to age as gracefully as possible.

You hear people talk about the downsides of aging a lot, but to me, one of the great things about aging is that you get better at what you do. My attitude, from the time I first began my work in broadcasting, was to strive to be better tomorrow than I was today. I think the wisdom and maturity that comes with having lived a lot of days is a great thing. I make much better decisions today than I did when I was young. I’m a much better journalist today than I was when I was young. As you get older, you take a moment to think about things whereas you used to be impulsive. I think there are a lot of benefits in getting older.

For more information on “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt,” click on www.nbcnews.com

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SHOULD YOU STAY OR

SHOULD YOU GO? AS THE AMERICAN POPULATION GETS OLDER, “AGING-IN-PLACE” HAS BECOME A KEY PHRASE THAT IS BEST ADDRESSED SOONER RATHER THAN LATER Special to Life After 50 by Michele Brown

I

n survey after survey, close to 90 percent of all aging Americans say their wish is to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This is a desire that, while understandable, can cause a rift between those in their 70s and over and their adult children.

The decision to age-in-place or move to an institutional care facility is complex and personal.

It is a decision that hinges on the amount of healthcare needed, the availability of family assistance, and economic factors. This issue also brings with it other things to consider: • Is the home the person’s living in conducive to someone who can no longer climb stairs?

• Is there still the physical ability or financial resources to maintain the house and property?

• Are there remodeling or redesign options that could make the existing home more conducive to their remaining in it?

18 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

• Does the home need to be sold to afford the move to an assisted living facility?

• Are there financial options, other than selling a property, that can pay for in-home or assisted living expenses?

These questions represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many things to consider when an aging person is faced with the fact that they may no longer be able to live in the home they have resided in for many years.

And, for most families, it is a discussion that is all too often put off until an incident occurs that forces the issue to be addressed. Stephen M. Golant, a gerontologist and professor at the University of Florida has written “Aging In The Right Place,” a comprehensive guide to housing and care options for older adults. In his guide, Golant writes: “People evaluate buying a toaster or coffeemaker more than they do their housing and longterm care choices.”

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN STAYING PUT

One reason most older adults choose to age-in-place for as long as they are able is simply because it is the most affordable option. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 21 percent of people aged 65 to 74 and 18 percent of those aged 74 to 84 own their homes outright and no longer have mortgage expenses. However, their homes also tend to be older, in need of maintenance, and less likely to be updated in ways that would accommodate their changing lifestyles.

Statistics show that most Americans over the age of 65 live in homes that are over 40 years old and have narrow interior doorways, hard-to-reach kitchen cupboards and potentially hazardous kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

AARP recommends everyone over the age of 50 to begin looking at their home with a critical eye toward the future. If you have the money to

remodel, they suggest you think about making your house more age-related-user-friendly, not just more beautiful. They stress working with an architect who understands aging-in-place issues and who can design smart and convenient features that in no way need to look institutional or utilitarian.

To promote this outlook, AARP has teamed up with the National Association of Home Builders to create a designation for certified aging-in-

place specialists trained in designing and modifying residences for the elderly. Today, several thousand builders, contractors, remodelers and architects have been certified as CAPS professionals.

These trained professionals can help you in building or remodeling a home that can include such features as onefloor living areas, touchless faucets, trim kitchen drawers instead of cupboards, proper lighting, grab bars and nonslip floors.

Home technology professionals and interior designers can also provide ideas for security systems, monitoring cameras, lighting functionality, easy-to-reach and open doors and easy accessibility to hardware, microwaves and other appliances. They may also recommend lowering countertops or cabinets, and making hallways wider.

Lighting is one of the most immediate ways to deter accidents, and it also has an appeal to anyone who wants to provide better protection for their home. Easy one-touch buttons can turn on exterior lights, pathways, entryways and hallways. This is very important to take into consideration, because many older people have erratic sleeping patterns.

GO WITH A CAPS PRO The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program offered by the National Association of Home Builders teaches housing professionals the essential skills to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for aging-in-place.

Overwhelmingly, older Americans prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. In order to do that, the services of remodelers, builders, contractors and even occupational therapists

may well be needed. Professionals who hold the CAPS designation can offer you what you need most: reassurance that you’ll make the best choices to help you stay in your home for as long as possible, safely and securely.

When looking for a remodeler, builder or contractor for an aging-in-place project, be sure to look for one that has a CAPS designation.

Because they may regularly get up several times during the night, proper hallway lighting to the kitchen or bathroom is essential.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SELLING

In certain situations, aging-in-place may simply no longer be an option. In cases like these, decisions have to be made as to how an assisted living facility will be paid for. For those who do not have the finical means but do own a home, this usually means the property must be sold.

This is where, along with a finical advisor, an understanding and experienced professional Realtor must be brought into the picture. They can meet with you and discuss the sale of a home or any investment properties. It is very important to be open with these professionals, letting them clearly know your objectives. Among the many things you will want to discuss are whether capital gains taxes will be deferred or if they have heirs in a trust.

Remember, even if finances are an issue, selling a property may not always be the best option.

Before any decision is made to sell, it is vitally important that you know what your goals are and what options you have.

MEET

MICHELE BROWN Michele Brown is an international, national and local award-winning Realtor and the executive director of Keller Williams Luxury International Division. A Los Angeles resident for over 20 years she has served clients professionally in the real estate industry for over four decades. Having started her career as a nurse, Brown brings a unique compassion and understanding of people’s sensitivities to her real estate work and says: “The quality and quantity of the service rendered is as important as the spirit in which it is rendered.”

An accomplished keynote speaker who lectures on motivation and team building, Brown heads up luxury real estate teams from Los Angeles to Nashville and is a six-time grandmother.

If you, or an older relative, are in need of a real estate professional who is attuned to aging-in-place issues, you can contact Brown at (877) 2420279 or by clicking on www.realestateprofessionalsinternational.com.

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LiViNG

LiFE SOUTH OF THE BORDER

While Mexico was once viewed solely as a vacation destination, more and more retiring Americans are embracing it as home

By Max Andrews

F

or most Americans, spending time in Mexico means relaxing at a luxurious resort in Cancun or Cozumel or spending a few hours at one of the country’s western ports of call while cruising the Mexican Riviera. For others, however, Mexico has become much more than a vacation destination – it has become home.

While some have made the decision to retire to Mexico, others who are still working have made the move south of the border and are telecommuting. This decision is usually predicated on the reduced cost of living that can be enjoyed in Mexico (one that can offer considerable style even for those living on just a Social Security income), but the country also offers good year-round weather, many of the amenities they are used to in the U.S., and retirement communities that specifically cater to American retirees.

bedroom homes in beautiful areas renting for $600 month with sales prices less than half of what a comparable home would cost in the U.S. There has always been a level of confusion as to whether or not Americans can purchase real estate in Mexico. They can and can even pass it on to their heirs. There are also other ways a Mexican retirement saves money – energy costs and taxes. Because of the country’s warm winters, utility bills are lower and taxes are not a major factor. Mexico does has a value-added tax, but property taxes are much lower than in most of the U.S. and residents who own a home in the U.S. and derive most of their income from outside of Mexico will generally not have to pay any Mexican income tax. Most all food items, beverages and staples are also less expensive.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

WHAT ABOUT HEALTHCARE?

There is no doubting the fact that the cost of living in Mexico is dramatically less than it is in most parts of the U.S., especially the larger cities or desirable retirement areas. A quick perusal of the many websites that cater to Americans who are considering a Mexican retirement shows the listing of three-

22 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

While U.S. Medicare is not accepted in Mexico, Americans living in the country can purchase health insurance from a national Mexican insurance program with rates that start as low

as $300 a year. As far as modern medical facilities, that can be an issue if you choose a more rural area although the major cities of Mexico offer high-quality healthcare with good doctors, dentists, hospitals and other medical specialists.

ISN’T IT DANGEROUS?

Mexico has gained a reputation for being a country with areas that are considered havens for drug cartels who are extremely violent and dangerous.

That is true, but just as in the U.S. and many other countries, areas that have been labeled as danger zones have received those designations for good reasons and are a relatively small part of the country. The level of safety or danger you will find in any major Mexican retirement destination depends on which one is chosen. There is no doubting the fact that Mexican laws and their enforcement can be different than what most Americans are used to. That said, most Americans who make the decision to retire in Mexico tend to look at well-established and developed areas that are designed especially for American retirees. These are typically gated and include private security.

Most people who have made the move report their

safety to be equivalent to any modern town or city in the U.S. and, in some cases, due to Mexico’s extremely tight firearms and lethal-knife laws, some Mexican cities have statistically lower violent crime incidents than some areas of the U.S. The bottom line on danger: Once you are away from Mexico City and other areas known to be the domiciles of drug rings, violent crime is actually extremely rare in Mexico.

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE?

Just as in the U.S., Mexico offers numerous choices for retirement living. While some may embrace seclusion, others may opt for bustling communities that offer just about every amenity imaginable. Whatever lifestyle you desire, Mexico offers an area that can suit your tastes.

As with making a move to any new place, it is always advisable to spend time in the area before making a decision and talk to locals and real estate professionals who really know the area.

Life After 50 recently polled a group of real estate professionals who have worked with Americans looking to make the move to Mexico. Our top question was: “What areas seem to be the most popular for relocation?” While the choices are far greater than those we include here, the following are the ones that were most often mentioned.

LAKE CHAPALA AND AJIJIC

One of the most popular areas for American retirees is the Lake Chapala region in Jalisco.

Whether it be in the lakeside area of Chapala or nearby Ajijic, this area’s main attraction is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake offering the opportunity to fish, boat, ski and take part in other water sports. A mecca for over a decade for U.S. retirees, this region has recently boomed and is now also attracting younger people and families. The Lake Chapala community is composed of a string of villages, mostly on the north shore, with Ajijic, a town about three miles from Chapala, being the focal point in terms of restaurants, cultural events, shopping and other amenities. The area offers stunning beauty with its majestic mountains reflecting in the lake, charming cobblestone streets, stone walls festooned with fuchsia bougainvillea, waterfalls and thermal springs.

perfect, as is the lifestyle for those who are used to living in an urban and vibrant city environment.

Homes prices and rents are not as inexpensive in Guadalajara as they were a decade ago, but with a little due diligence, good deals can still be found.

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

A former colonial silver town that many consider one of the best places to live in central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende offers cobblestone streets and the charm of old Mexico. The area also has great dining, cultural venues showcasing world-class art and shopping centers. Over the past decade, San Miguel de Allende has become a lure for Americans who have the desire and wherewithal to enjoy an upscale lifestyle. One of the most well-to-do cities in Mexico, it has attracted the rich and famous from around the world. A hub of social and cultural events, the area has been described as “a college campus for wealthily baby boomers.”

PUERTO VALLARTA

This city on Mexico’s Pacific Coast has held an allure to Americans since the 1960s. As with most areas of Mexico, and any major port city, it offers the good and the bad. Urban development has changed the area in a dramatic fashion in the past 20 years, but that has done nothing to take away from Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful beaches and lush hillsides. Life in this tropical costal town brings with it all the amenities Americans would expect in a major city – a bustling downtown, shopping, cultural events and excellent dining and nightlife.

The one catch in considering Puerto Vallarta is that because it is a tourist mecca and cruise ship stop, prices for everything are higher than you will find in other parts of Mexico.

PUEBLO

Located at 7,000 feet above sea level in the mountains of central Mexico, Pueblo is a twohour drive from Mexico City. Distinguished as an

ancient Spanish city, the area offers a rich cultural and architectural history. A beautiful city of Old World charm, colorful squares and a vibrant arts scene, Pueblo is considered to be the gastronomical capital of Mexico and an extremely popular retirement destination for Americans.

MAZATLAN

This major port city is best known as a lure to worldwide tourists who come to enjoy its sandy beaches, sport fishing, nightlife and seafood.

Located north of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan is older and overall, less expensive than other touristy area on the Baja Peninsula. Best described as “rustic Mexican,” the city has great restaurants and amenities.

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS

Situated at 5,000 feet above sea level, San Cristobal de Las Casas is where you will find one of the most laid-back and quiet areas in all of Mexico. Unlike the more tropical coastal areas, here you will find a much cooler climate. A breathtakingly beautiful area, this is a place that does not cater to tourists in search of Mexico’s sun and fun. This is where you would want to look if you are seeking a slow, relaxed, peaceful existence. Described by one Realtor as “a magical place,” he also added that those considering this area must understand that it really is remote.

ENSENADA

Ensenada is Mexican living that is not too removed from a U.S lifestyle – in culture and location. This area, a popular resort town for many years, is what one Realtor described as being “touristy but with a small-town family feel.” It also offers everything you would want or need in a major city, weather that is just about perfect year round, the beaches are beautiful, English is spoken everywhere, and the U.S. border is just an hour’s drive north.

GUADALAJARA

Situated in north central Mexico, Guadalajara has been a popular spot for Americans to retire, although it has lost some of its popularity to the Lake Chapala region which is just 45 minutes to the south. Still, many Americans prefer Guadalajara because of its culture, shopping – which includes stores they have grown used to such as Wal-Mart and Costco – graceful architecture, and old-style Mexican ambience. Guadalajara is a major city – Mexico’s second largest – and home to over five million people that includes a State Department estimate of over 50,000 Americans. The yearround weather in Guadalajara is nothing short of September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 23

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September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 25

Hal Linden

Preparing to take the stage of The Pasadena Playhouse in “The Fantasticks,” the actor best known as Barney Miller shares thoughts on his most iconic role, aging and much more.

Story and photos by David Laurell

W

hile the house is dark and empty, the stage of The Pasadena Playhouse is abuzz as the set for “The Fantasticks” is being constructed under the watchful eye of the production’s scenic designer, David F. Weiner.

Upstairs, in the theater’s second-floor library, Hal Linden, who will play the role of Henry, the disheveled old actor whose memory fails him at times, is taking a break from rehearsal, relaxing in a leather chair and snacking on a cheese Danish.

Linden, who will turn 86 next March, graciously accepts a compliment on how great he looks.

“And here I am starting another show,” he says with a shrug. “How many more I’ll do? I don’t know.

For the last 10 years, every time I start a new show, I say I’m going to give it my all, because I know that one of these days, I won’t be able to do that any longer – have the physical ability to perform and memorize lines. That suspicion is always there. And this is a tough show with a lot of classical monologue so that makes it real work.”

Linden has embraced real work as a professional musician and singer since he was in his mid-teens.

A classically trained clarinetist who played in dance bands with Bobby Sherwood, Ray McKinley and Sammy Kaye, Linden continued performing during his stint in the U.S. Army. Then, following his

26 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

military service, realizing the Big Band era was in its waning days, he decided to pursue a career as an actor and enrolled at New York’s American Theatre Wing where he trained in voice and drama.

Making his Broadway debut in the 1957 musical “Bells Are Ringing” with Judy Holliday, he went on to star in more than 20 Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including his portrayal of Mayer Rothschild in the musical “The Rothschilds,” based on Frederic Morton’s 1962 book, “The Rothschilds: A Family Portrait,” for which Linden won the 1971 Tony Award for Best Actor In A Musical.

Having turned in numerous memorable performances on stage, television, in film and cabaret-style variety shows, Linden will, perhaps, always be best known for his portrayal of the witty, compassionate and empathetic police precinct captain, Barney Miller, in the ABC television series of the same name, which baby boomers watched from 1975 to 1982.

“They didn’t just grow up watching the show,” Miller opines as he begins his rehearsal-break conversation with Life After 50. “They bonded with their family while watching it. The great majority of those who watched the show tell me they watched it with their uncle, their aunt, grandmother, father, sister. It was a show that families watched together.”

Life After 50 (LA50): That’s the way we all watched television when we were kids, gathered around the set with the whole family.

Hal Linden (HL): Back then, different generations all watched the same shows – something we will never see again. That is why so many people tell me they don’t just remember watching the show, but also the bonding time they had with their family. Remember Billy Eckstine, the great jazz singer? His daughter, Gina, who is also a singer, once told me of her memories of her mother and father being in bed watching “Barney Miller” and she and her siblings all climbing in with them and watching it. She told me that is one of her greatest memories of growing up. The show was a personal experience for the people who watched it, how they watched it as a family, and how people of different ages related to the characters.

LA50: As with any great show, the greatness stems from having a perfect cast…

HL: The second cast! Did you know that?

LA50: No. HL: The original pilot for “Barney Miller” was not sold. The only two actors in the original pilot

were me and Abe [Vigoda]. The show didn’t sell, but it had aired in the summer as a part of the “ABC Comedy Festival,” where they showed all their dead pilots. After that, I was back in New York working in the theatre and had just gotten an offer to star in a new musical. At the same time, I got a call from Danny Arnold, who was the creator and producer of “Barney Miller.” He had convinced somebody at ABC to shoot two more episodes. They were willing to give the show another try, because they loved the precinct part, but they didn’t like the home part. You know, the show was originally called “The Life and Times of Captain Barney Miller.” The original concept was that half of it would take place in the precinct and the other half in his home. They felt the athome part had been done a thousand times, from back in the days of “Father Knows Best.” So somehow, Danny talked them into giving the show another chance and he got the okay to do two more episodes. I had no contractual agreement with him to do those episodes, and that put me in a situation in which I faced a big decision: Do I do two episodes of a show that may never make it or go with a sure thing – a guaranteed year’s work in a musical? Now something like that presents a big decision for an actor, but I’ll tell you, I made that decision in a very cavalier fashion. I kind of shrugged and thought: “Hey, I’ve done Broadway.

Let’s try television.” So I was on board, but he couldn’t get the other actors who had been in the pilot. They had all moved on to other projects.

That’s when they found Max Gail and then later Jack Soo and the whole show was recast.

LA50: Allow me, if you will, to make an observation: I always felt “Barney Miller” was a unique show in that, with all the same characters, it could have very easily been flipped from being a sitcom to being a dramatic police procedural show.

HL: Interesting that you say that. Let me tell you the show “Barney Miller” was predicated on. It was not predicated on a comedy. It was predicated on a stage drama and a film called “Detective Story.” The film was done in the early 1950s with Kirk Douglas – a story of one day in the lives of people who work in a police detective squad. It was four desks in a precinct and four stories of the people who sat at those desks. Danny had seen that film and thought he could make a sitcom out of it. So your perception is interesting in that the show was predicated on a drama. But remember this: Danny never wanted “Barney Miller” to be a silly comedy. Danny was adamant about that. I remember in rehearsals, one of us would, at times, come up with some funny bit or line that would get us all laughing. Now most sitcom directors would be all about incorporating that – keeping it in – but not Danny. He turned down a lot of things that would have gotten big laughs. He used to say: “Would you go for help from a police officer who said something like that or behaved like that?”

He wanted the main characters to represent real police officers that people would go to for help. He wanted it to be based on reality, and to do that, he knew he had to keep the main characters within

Barney with a Talmudic sense of justice.” He wanted Barney to be a guy who always thought: “There but for the grace of God goes everybody.” Well, that’s a wonderful concept and I wish I could live by that, but none of us do. We all have our biases and prejudices.

But Danny always wanted to make sure that Barney’s function was to straighten the scales of justice.

LA50: Of the bazillions of people who have roamed this planet, only a minute fraction have gotten to star in a television show and far fewer went on to create an iconic character that will live on forever. Do you ever allow yourself to revel or be amazed by the good fortune that shined down on you in getting the role of Barney Miller?

certain parameters – that they couldn’t be silly or slapstick. So crazy people came in, we did funny things with the perps and the complainers and what-not, but the main characters always had to uphold a semblance of reality. So your observation is a good one.

LA50: With the passing of well over 30 years and the benefit of hindsight, what do you think of the character of Barney Miller?

HL: He was someone that I would strive to be. I’m not nearly as patient or as forgiving as Barney. I’m not that understanding [laughing]. You know what I mean?

LA50: Very few people are.

HL: Exactly! So he is a paragon. I once asked Danny why he chose me to play the role of Barney.

I never auditioned for it. I didn’t even know about the show. I didn’t know Danny. But he had seen me on Broadway in “The Rothschilds” and he remembered me. When they were originally casting for the show, the network had given Danny a list of potential actors for the lead role and he said: “No, I saw a guy on Broadway that I want.” I once asked him what it was about that performance that made him think of me for Barney. My part on “The Rothschilds” was not exactly something that would make you think of Barney Miller. But he told me that he had formulated an idea in his mind of who Barney was and what his function was. I’ll never forget this, he told me: “I wanted to infuse

HL: All of our lives are ”what if” stories, so let me tell you mine. I grew up in New York and never went to the theatre – ever! I had no interest in plays – the theatre. I was a musician, so I went to the Capitol Theater on Broadway to see Stan Kenton and Dizzy Gillespie play, but never to a theatrical production. I went through high school and college, both by the way, which had excellent theatre departments, and I never as much as set foot in the door of either of them. So I was out of college and in the Army playing my clarinet and saxophone and singing.

We played the officers’ club, Saturday night dances, various service clubs, and there was a guy in the band who used to be called up by Special Services whenever they wanted to do a show. Well, one time he was going off to do a show and he asked me if I wanted to come along and sing. I said: “Sure, why not?” So that was the first time I ever appeared on a stage without my saxophone hanging around my neck and sang a song. Then they also had this comedy sketch in the show and there was this little part – just a two-liner – they needed someone to do. So I did it. That’s how the whole thing started.

I thought: “This is fun! I could do this.” This was also right around the end of the Big Band era.

Rock ’n’ roll was taking over, and my life was with the Big Bands and jazz. So I knew if the Big Bands continued to lose their popularity as they did, my life as a musician was going to be one of playing bar mitzvahs and weddings. So I used my GI bill and enrolled in the American Theatre Wing, became an actor, and here I am all these years later at The Pasadena Playhouse rehearsing to do “The Fantasticks” [laughs]. But what if that guy had never asked me to come and sing at that show that night? What if I had said no? So did I ever Continued on page 29

September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 27

think I would make a living as an actor, much less create an iconic character? No! I just wanted to be good character actor that got work. That was all I aspired to.

LA50: “The Fantasticks” is such a beloved show, which tells an allegorical story loosely based on the Edmond Rostand play “Les Romanesques,” about two feuding fathers who trick their offspring into falling in love.

The fathers do that by having Henry, the role you play, and Mortimer stage a mock abduction of Luisa so Matt can save her, become the big hero, and end the fighting between the families. The show focuses on what every parent wants for their kids – the opportunity for them to be happy and make the most of their lives. When you look at your grandkids, do you ever worry that the opportunity for them to make the most of their lives is going to be far more of a challenge than it was for you?

HL: [sighs] The American dream was always to work hard, get ahead, do better than your parents, and then give your kids a chance to do even better than you. My grandchildren – I have eight that range in age from 11 to one who is going off to college this year – and, statistically, that dream is no longer true for them. That has nothing to do with what political party is in or out of office, because that dream has been dying for about 40 years now. The wealth gap in this country has made the future one that is not looking good for what keeps any economy going – the middle class.

The reason the middle class is dwindling is due to technology more than anything. Hey, technology and all it has brought us is fantastic, but let’s face the fact, it has removed the human element from many jobs, it takes a lot fewer people, if any, to do the work. Henry Ford once famously said that he had to pay his employees enough so that they could afford to buy the cars they made. Back then, the American marketplace was made up of the American workforce. That concept is dying. And if we think it has gotten bad today, it will get much worse with artificial intelligence, that is a reality – it’s coming! We already see it in driverless cars. A computer can make a better decision

than a human being. It just takes all the facts into consideration and has no biases or feelings or empathy. You know who artificial intelligence will do away with? Middle management – the people who hire and fire and make decisions. That will completely destroy the middle class. So yes, I do seriously worry about the world my grandchildren will inherit.

LA50: Do you think they see it through that same prism of pessimism or are they approaching their future in a more positive way?

HL: I think they are interested in getting out there into the world and being a part of it – seeing what they can do. They have all grown up in a world that has become more and more overtaken by technology, so they don’t know anything else.

LA50: You mentioned earlier that you don’t know how many more shows you have left in you, but come on, you look to be in great shape.

What do you attribute that to?

HL: Genes. I got my mother’s genes. She lived to be 98. But I also work out every morning. When I get up, I’m in my gym on an elliptical for 45 minutes and doing sit-ups to get the heart rate up.

I work out for about an hour each morning.

LA50: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

HL: For many years, I was an avid but lousy golfer. But I don’t play as much as I once did.

Today, just getting up, working out, showering, having breakfast, reading the newspaper and watching CNN is a good day – especially being able to watch this commedia dell’arte of an election unfold.

LA50: Care to make any further comment on this rather unconventional campaign everyone seems to be talking about?

HL: [shrugs] I have Republican friends who are really torn about this election. They just don’t know what the hell to do. I just had a conversation with a good friend the other day who is in

that predicament. I said: “Let me give you a suggestion.” It’s what I tell everyone. I told him to forget everything you know, or think you know, or have ever heard about either Trump or Clinton – the scandals, the controversies, the university, the e-mails, all that bullshit – just put it all aside. You also have to put aside your allegiance to being a “D” or an “R,” because he is not a conservative and she is not a liberal. So forget the politics and their characters. Forget it all and just ask yourself one thing: “Who do you feel has the competency to be president of the United States?” I don’t care what you think of them other than what this really comes down to: simple competency to do the job.

And I can’t fathom anyone who thinks that Trump has the competency to be president. Hey, I’m not a Hillary fan. I had hoped that Joe Biden would run and still haven’t forgiven him for not running.

But I think this election comes down to one thing: competency, and I can’t see how anyone can see that quality in Trump.

LA50: One last thing and we’ll let you get back to rehearsing. We’re all getting a little older as each day passes. Have you adopted any philosophy on getting older?

HL: The last time I was in the hospital, I had a bowel blockage – nothing really serious. But during the six days I was in the hospital, the doctors did all their tests and x-rays and found something on my pancreas they didn’t like the looks of. Now that’s scary. So all these doctors were in my room explaining what they think they saw.

And when they all left the room, I said to myself: “Gee, I’m not scared or worried about this at all.”

That was my attitude! I just wanted to see what we could do about it. I remember thinking: “Am I that cavalier about my mortality, or am I just that comfortable with the length of life I have lived and the things I have been able to do?” It turned out, fortunately, to be nothing. But when I thought back on how cavalier I was about having it be something serious and my time being up, I thought: “Son of a bitch! I had no panic or fear whatsoever.” So did I learn something about myself, about my philosophy or approach to getting older? Here’s what I learned: “Que sera sera! [laughs]. Whatever will be, will be!”

SEE HAL LINDEN IN THE FANTASTICKS Preview performances of “The Fantasticks,” starring Hal Linden as Henry, begin September 6 and the show will run through October 2, 2016 at The Pasadena Playhouse. The production, directed by Seema Sueko, also features Philip Anthony-Rodriguez as El Gallo, Regi Davis as Bellomy, Conor Guzmán as Matt, Ashley Park as Luisa, Alyse Rockett as The Mute, Amir Talai as Mortimer and Gedde Watanabe as Hucklebee.

Tickets, priced from $25 to $135, are available by clicking on www.

PasadenaPlayhouse.org or by calling (626) 356-7529.

28 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

2015 Daily News Successful Aging Expo

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T H H  M-K

By Steve Stoliar Illustration by Mark Hammermeister

E R.

M

The name “Edward R. Murrow” can still generate near-worshipful praise from those who remember watching him on CBS, have seen videos of his broadcasts or listened to recordings of his riveting World War II reportage from overseas. In the world of journalism, “honesty” and “integrity” are among the first words that come to mind when his name is mentioned.

E

gbert Roscoe Murrow was born in an actual log cabin on April 25, 1908 in Polecat Creek, North Carolina. His parents were Quakers who owned a farm that grew corn and hay.

When he was six, Murrow’s family moved to Skagit County in Washington State, not far from the Canadian border. Young Egbert attended high school in Edison, Washington, where he was elected student body president. Not surprisingly, he excelled as a member of the school’s debating team.

After graduating from high school in 1926, Murrow attended Washington State College, where he majored in speech. As a teen, his friends called him “Ed” and during his sophomore year at Washington State, he officially changed his first name to “Edward.” In 1930, Murrow graduated with a bachelor’s degree in speech and moved to New York in search of employment.

From 1932 to 1935, Murrow was assistant director of the Institute of International Education and also assistant secretary of the Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced Foreign Scholars, which helped German scholars who had lost their jobs in their native country. In March of 1935, Murrow married Janet Huntington Brewster, whom he’d met when she was a student leader at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

Murrow joined CBS in New York as director of talks and education in 1935.

He remained with that network for the rest of his long and illustrious career. At

that time, there was no news staff, per se; only an announcer, Bob Trout, who would talk to the newsmakers that Murrow lined up for radio broadcasts.

In 1937, Murrow was sent to London to be director of European operations for CBS, although his work did not yet involve any on-air reporting. His job was to convince interesting and significant European figures to appear on CBS radio. Murrow arranged for William L. Schirer to have a similar post on the European continent.

In March of 1938, Murrow was in Poland, covering a children’s chorus for broadcast on CBS when Adolf Hitler suddenly annexed Austria – a significant event that led directly to the beginning of World War II. Schirer was in Austria when it happened, but he couldn’t get the story out via Austria’s radio networks, so Murrow sent him to London, where he delivered an eyewitness account of the Nazis’ takeover. Murrow then flew to Vienna, so he could continue the work that Schirer had started.

On March 13, 1938, Murrow and Schirer put together a program, “European News Roundup,” covering Hitler’s annexation of Austria from various locations.

Murrow’s first broadcast words were: “This is Edward Murrow speaking from Vienna. It’s now nearly 2:30 in the morning and Herr Hitler has not yet arrived.”

The idea of a live, multi-location, as-it-happened broadcast was revolutionary at the time and was an immediate hit with listeners. “European News Roundup”

This feature is intended for you to clip and give to your children or grandchildren because…they must-know!

30 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

eventually became “Word News Roundup” the longest-running network radio newscast in the United States.

As Hitler’s troops invaded Czechoslovakia, radio listeners eagerly awaited Murrow’s live broadcasts, introduced by veteran radio announcer H.V. Kaltenborn in New York saying: “Calling Ed Murrow. Come in, Ed Murrow.”

Murrow continued his live broadcasts from London, covering the Nazis’ devastating Blitz attacks on the city in “London After Dark” and beginning each broadcast with, “This...is London.” Listeners were glued to their radios; they’d never before heard such dramatic and exciting live reports. Before Murrow’s broadcasts, Americans had to get their news from newspapers and theatrical newsreels (which often took up to a week to develop and edit, before they could be shown).

Murrow achieved celebrity status for his London broadcasts. Because Londoners couldn’t be certain they would survive the next Blitz attack, they often ended conversations by saying: “Good night and good luck.” At the end of one 1940 broadcast, Murrow borrowed that phrase to end his report. It stuck, and became his famous closing catchphrase.

No sooner had Murrow returned to the U.S. in 1941 – to great acclaim, a dinner in his honor at the Waldorf-Astoria, and a congratulatory telegram from President Franklin D. Roosevelt – than Pearl Harbor was attacked, triggering America’s official entry into the war. As a result, Murrow was sent back to cover the European theater of the war. He flew on 25 bombing missions, once again utilizing his unique command of the language to bring listeners vivid accounts of the bombings. Over the course of the war, Murrow expanded the CBS L ondon news bureau to include such future broadcast journalist stars as Eric Sevareid, Howard K. Smith, Charles Collingwood and Daniel Schorr. They were dubbed “Murrow’s Boys.”

In 1943, Prime Minister Winston Churchill offered Murrow a job as joint director general of the BBC in charge of programming, which he declined. He did, however, fall in love with Churchill’s daughter-in-law, Pamela, who wanted to marry him. The birth of Janet and Edward Murrow’s only child, Casey, in 1945, put an end to the Pamela affair.

On April 12, 1945, Murrow was among the first reporters to enter the Buchenwald concentration camp, where he interviewed survivors and broadcast riveting reports of the vast and unbelievable horror and carnage the Nazis had created.

In December of 1945, Morrow accepted CBS President William Paley’s offer to become vice president of the network – and the head of CBS News.

Unfortunately, his elevation to being part of the network brass led to the unpleasant task of his having to fire his friend and compatriot, William L. Schirer, after a dispute with a sponsor. As a result, Murrow longed to return to newscasting and leave the executive world behind.

In September of 1947, Murrow returned to the airwaves, taking over the 7:45 p.m. nightly radio newscast. In addition to his news duties, Murrow hosted the weekly radio show, “Hear It Now,” beginning in 1950, which recreated historical events as if they were happening now. He also hosted “This I Believe” from 1951 to 1955, which gave ordinary people the chance to speak on radio for five minutes.

Murrow began to shift from radio to television in the early 1950s with editorial comments at the end of the “CBS Evening News.” “Hear It Now” was moved from radio to television in 1951 and, understandably, became “See It Now.” In 1953, Murrow began his legendary “Person To Person” series, in which he interviewed such notables as Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Groucho and Harpo Marx, Marlon Brando, Fidel Castro and Senator John F. Kennedy. The popular series ran until 1959.

On March 9, 1954, Murrow produced a special episode of “See It Now” entitled “A Report on Senator Joseph McCarthy,” the infamous Wisconsin senator who saw Communists hiding under every rock. Murrow used clips from McCarthy’s own speeches to paint a very honest – and unflattering – portrait of the senator. This legendary broadcast was a turning point in television history, generating an anti-McCarthy backlash that eventually led to his downfall.

Despite “See It Now’s” success, the frequent controversy generated by serious, touchy topics gave William Paley headaches and so he wanted the show to have a lighter, more entertaining tone. A few months after the series’ final broadcast in 1958, Murrow delivered a speech to the Radio and Television News Directors Association in Chicago, in which he said: “Television, in the main, insulates us from the world in which we live.”

From 1958 to 1960, Murrow hosted a combination debate-talk show entitled “Small World.” He also contributed to the documentary series “CBS Reports.”

Edward R. Murrow’s last significant television milestone was hosting “Harvest of Shame,” a report on the plight of migrant American farm workers, which aired just after Thanksgiving of 1960.

In January of 1961, Murrow resigned from CBS to become head of the United States Information Agency – which is the parent of Voice of America – at the personal invitation of President John F. Kennedy himself.

Sadly, Murrow was a three-pack-a-day chain-smoker throughout his life and was rarely seen without his trademark Camel cigarette. He developed lung cancer and died on April 27, 1965, just two days after his 57th birthday. Hearing of his death, Murrow’s friend and colleague, Eric Sevareid, said: “He was a shooting star and we will live in his afterglow a very long time.”

LEARN MORE • “Edward R. Murrow And The Birth Of Broadcast Journalism”

by Bob Edwards (John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2004) • “Edward R. Murrow: An American Original” by Joseph E. Persico (McGraw-Hill, 1988) • “Murrow: His Life And Times” by A.M. Sperber (Bantam, 1987)

Mark Hammermeister is an award-winning artist. His work is available for purchase at www.markdraws.com September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 31

Harley And The Davidsons – New Miniseries, Discovery Channel – Premieres Monday September 5 at 9 p.m. (continuing on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 9 p.m.)

Based on a true story, this six-hour miniseries charts the birth of this iconic bike during a time of great social and technological change, beginning at the turn of the 20th century. Walter, Arthur and Bill risked their entire fortune and livelihood to launch the budding enterprise. Each of these men faced very different challenges, but it was the motorcycle that united their dreams and ambitions. For Walter Davidson, the venture was a chance to escape from the confines of society – to ignore the rules and build a bike that could go anywhere and ride hard. For Arthur Davidson, it was an opportunity to finally make good on his name. And for Bill Harley, the bike gave him hope to break free from his overbearing parents and apply his talent as an engineer. This series is led by an all-star cast including Michael Huisman as Walter Davidson, Robert Aramayo as William (Bill) Harley and Bug Hall in the role of Arthur Davidson.

Churchill’s Secret – New Movie, PBS – Sunday September 11 at 8 p.m.

Michael Gambon of “Harry Potter” fame plays the greatest statesman of the 20th century in his most difficult hour – after suffering a debilitating stroke, which he sought to hide from the world. Based on a true incident in the life of Winston Churchill and directed by Charles Sturridge, the film co-stars Romola Garai, Lindsay Duncan, Bill Paterson, Matthew Macfadyen, Tara Fitzgerald, Rachel Stirling, Daisy Lewis and Alex Jennings. This two-hour drama is an adaptation of Jonathan Smith’s acclaimed 2015 novel.

Good Place – New Series, NBC – Premieres Monday September 19 at 10 p.m.

This 13-episode sitcom comes from “Parks and Recreation” creator Mike Schur and, as with his previous show, features a smart, complex, female lead character. Kristen Bell stars as a New Jersey woman who attempts to change her life for the better, if she could only figure out what exactly it means to be a good person. Oh, and there’s one minor detail – she’s dead. Due to a bureaucratic mix-up, she finds herself in a much better afterlife than she deserves. Television veteran, Ted Danson, aids her in her journey.

Pitch – New Series, Fox – Premieres Thursday September 22 at 9 p.m.

A young female pitcher becomes the first woman to play in the Major Leagues when she is called up by the San Diego Padres in this sports drama starring Kylie Bunbury. The show’s creators are aiming for realism in the baseball scenes and have obtained a license from Major League Baseball, which means viewers will see actual team uniforms, stadiums, and, potentially, players. Bob Balaban, Ali Larter, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mark Consuelos, and Dan Lauria also star. Paris Barclay directs the pilot and produces.

MacGyver – New Series, CBS – Premieres Friday September 23 at 8 p.m.

This reboot of the classic action-adventure series, which ran on ABC for seven seasons from 1985 to 1992, stars Lucas Till as a much younger MacGyver, a problem solver who creates a secret organization within the federal government. The show is produced by James Wan, who directed the first episode. It also stars Justin Hires and “CSI’s” George Eads.

32 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

The Best In SepTemBer Television Viewing

By Sandi Berg

Tuned In To What’s On

Generations of Trust for Generations to Come.®

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The agents in Dilbeck’s Senior Services Division all have a Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation and are trained to recognize special needs, provide solutions and under- stand the various living arrangements available to seniors. They will help you get started and make your entire transition as easy as possible.

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Specializing in Seniors Buying or Selling Real Estate September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 33

Let’S Get OUt

San Diego/Orange County/Inland Empire

September/October

A Preview of Upcoming Events for September/October By Claire Yezbak Fadden

domineering, practical-minded dad. With the help of his friends and the local community, he just might light up the night. The Old Globe Theatre, Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $29-plus. Through Oct. 23. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org.

LAGUNA DANCE FESTIVAL Laguna Playhouse, Moulton Theatre Main Stage, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. Through Sept. 25. $35-$60. 949-4972787. lagunaplayhouse.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 OCEANSIDE HARBOR DAYS Two event-filled days of sun, sand and surf provide an outstanding opportunity to experience fun activities including a sandcastle competition, entertainment stage, arts, crafts and food booth areas, a “Nail ‘n’ Sail Competition,” military and public safety displays. This festival features some 200 arts and craft exhibits, a tasty food court, costumed pirates and a beer garden. Also Sept. 25. Oceanside Harbor, beach side, N. Pacific St., Oceanside. oceansideharbordays.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky. Join Gomez and Morticia Addams for a morbid family gathering when daughter Wednesday brings home her “normal” boyfriend and his uptight parents. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace, Vista. Dates vary through Oct. 1. $10-$55. (760) 724-2110. moonlightstage.com.

COUNTRY LIVE! AT THE MERC Old Town Temecula Community Theater, The Merc, 42051 Main St., Temecula.

Saturdays. Prices vary. (866) 653-8696. temeculatheater.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

eNteRtAINMeNt THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

SWEET CHARITY Have you ever known a girl who wanted something so badly that she tried too hard to get it? Meet, the girl who wants to be loved so much that she has lost sight of who she is. Charity sings, dances, laughs and cries her way through romances with the “animal magnetism” hero, the “ultrachic continental” hero and the “impossible-to believe-buthe’s-better-than-nothing” hero. Welk Resorts Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Dr., Escondido.

Dates vary through Nov. 20. 28. $49-plus.

(888) 802-7469. welktheatre.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

THE LION KING Follow the story of Simba, a young lion prince, living in the flourishing African Pride Lands until unthinkable tragedy strikes. When Simba’s wicked Uncle Scar, kills Simba’s father, Simba flees, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind. But when a desperate plea from the now ravaged Pride Lands finds the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy, and fulfill his destiny to be king. San Diego Civic Theatre, Third Ave. and B St., 1100 Third Ave., downtown San Diego.

Through Oct. 2. Prices vary. (619) 570-1100. broadwaysd.com.

34 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

THE COCKTAIL HOUR Mix two upper-class New Englanders, their over-privileged adult children and endless cocktails for a delightfully intoxicating evening of comedy. John arrives for dinner at his parents’ home carrying his provocative script in hand that leaves the family “shaken and stirred.” North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D, Solana Beach.

Dates vary through Oct. 2. Prices vary. (858) 481-1055. northcoastrep.org.

BEAU JEST Sarah’s parents are delighted she is engaged to a charming doctor. Only, she’s not. When her parents arrive for a dinner party, Sarah hires an actor to keep the fiction alive. Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado.

Through Oct. 2. Prices vary. (619) 437-6000. lambsplayers.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 RED SCARE ON SUNSET In a campy, flamboyant spoof of the1950s Hollywood blacklist, film star Mary Dale (traditionally played by a female impersonator) finds that the Red Menace has invaded her own bedroom when her husband is lured into a Communist cell by way of a method acting class and becomes part of a left wing plot to abolish the Hollywood star system. Warning: may contain parallels to America’s current political climate. Costa Mesa Playhouse, 661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa. Fri.-Sun. through Oct. 2. $18-$22. (949) 650-5269. costamesaplayhouse.com.

DICK DALE The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Prices vary. (949) 4968930. thecoachhouse.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 OCTOBER SKY This musical inspired by the beloved 1999 movie, centers in the sleepy town of Coalwood, West Virginia. After the Soviets launch the Sputnik rocket, a local high schooler named Homer decides to enter a rocketry competition against the wishes of his

LIVE JAZZ ON THE PATIO Jimmy and Enrique. Bernardo Winery, Tasting Room Patio, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego. Free. bernardowinery.com.

CLASSICS AT THE MERC Old Town Temecula Community Theater, The Merc, 42051 Main St., Temecula. Second and fourth Sundays. Prices vary. (866) 653-8696. temeculatheater.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 SEVEN GUITARS In the backyard of a Pittsburgh tenement in 1948, friends gather to mourn for a blues guitarist and singer who died just as his career was on the verge of taking off.

Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego.

Through Nov. 6. Prices vary. (619) 337-1525. cygnettheatre.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 THE FOUR TOPS/ THE TEMPTATIONS Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego. $69.

(800) 745-3000. humphreysconcerts.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 KEITH SWEAT The rhythm and blues legend Keith Sweat performs popular hits such as “Gonna

CALeNDAR Make You Sweat,” “Twisted” and “Nobody.”

California Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Prices vary.

(800) 988-4253. artcenter.org.

A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF ALAN MENKE Menken performs his own music and shares behind-the-scenes stories in this one-manshow. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. $49-plus. (714) 5562787. scfta.org.

September/October San Diego/Orange County/Inland Empire Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. Through Oct. 16. $29-plus.

(714) 556-2787. scfta.org.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 JAZZ AT THE MERC Old Town Temecula Community Theater, The Merc, 42051 Main St., Temecula.

Thursdays. Prices vary. (866) 653-8696. temeculatheater.org.

OCTOBER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1

HARVEST FESTIVAL The festive fall-themed atmosphere makes exploring the array of exhibits an exciting discovery of beautiful jewelry, blown glass, ceramics, hand woven clothing, photography, candles, wood carvings, garden designs, homemade sauces and soups, antique treasures, children’s accessories, sculptures and holiday ornaments. Ontario Convention

Center; 2000 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario. Also Oct. 8-9. $4-$9. (800) 346-1212. harvestfestival.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 ROCK THE PRESIDENTS A high-energy, multi-media-filled musical extravaganza spanning 223 years of the American presidency. The 44 men who rose to the highest office in the land are brought to life through original songs. With portraits, paintings and historical footage streaming throughout the concert, the show entertains and informs. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine. $21. (949) 854-4646. thebarclay.org.

COUNTRY LIVE! AT THE MERC Old Town Temecula Community Theater, The Merc, 42051 Main St., Temecula.

Saturdays. Prices vary. (866) 653-8696. temeculatheater.org.

OLD TOWN FALL FESTIVAL Enjoy fall crafts and children’s activities a la

San Diego in the 1850s including pumpkin painting and corn-husk doll making. Carved jack-o-lanterns will be on display and pumpkin-carving demonstrations are part of the event. Volunteers offers a peek into life in California when it just becoming a state, including woodworkers, weavers, spinners and quilters. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, San Diego Ave. and Twiggs Str., San Diego. Free. (619) 297-3100. parks. ca.gov/oldtownsandiego.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 COMPOSTING WORKSHOP Learn how to use your yard clippings as a resource, naturally achieve a beautiful, health yard and garden and reduce your use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Living Coast Discovery Center, 100, Gunpowder Point Dr., Chula Vista. Shuttle to entrance from parking lot. $9-$14. Sundays. (619) 409-5900. thelivingcoast.org.

CLASSICS AT THE MERC Old Town Temecula Community Theater, The Merc, 42051 Main St., Temecula. Second and fourth Sundays. Prices vary. (866) 653-8696. temeculatheater.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

THE GODFATHER LIVE Nino Rota’s iconic score accompanied by the film’s traditional Italian folk music and jazz comes to life on stage, performed live by a symphony orchestra while the movie is simultaneously shown in high definition on the big screen. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. $49-plus. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org.

AMY GRANT Richard Kaufman, conducts the Pacific Symphony. Grant has produced numerous hits such as “Baby Baby,” “Every Heartbeat,” “That’s What Love is For,” “I Will Remember You,” “Lead Me On,” “El Shaddai” and more.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. Also Oct. 15. $35-plus.

(714) 556-2787. scfta.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 LIVE JAZZ ON THE PATIO Whitney Shay. Bernardo Winery, Tasting Room Patio, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego. Free. bernardowinery.com.

eXHIBItIONS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

HEATED EXCHANGE: CONTEMPORARY ENCAUSTICS No longer entombed with the mummies, the ancient art of encaustic (hot wax) resonates in contemporary culture. The multi-dimensional surface, luminous color, and ethereal image layering unique to this once obsolete medium is now recognized both for its exquisite beauty and incredible versatility. The Museum at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Through Nov. 13. $8.

(800) 988-4253. artcenter.org.

ZZ TOP Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego. $115. (800) 745-3000. humphreysconcerts.com.

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL This is the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history.

Features a stunning array of beloved songs, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE: IMAGES IN COLONIAL MEXICO

This exhibition explores the extraordinary impact of the appearance of the Virgin in 1531, through various themes of religious, political and social importance during Mexico’s colonial period. This display is comprised of several important collections from Mexico, including the Museum of the Basilica of Guadalupe, the most visited religious pilgrimage site in all of the Americas. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Through Jan. 29. $10-$15. (714) 567-3679. bowers.org.

MASTODON! PREHISTORIC ELEPHANTS IN THE SOUTHWEST Mastodons, mammoths, and gomphotheres entered North America millions of years ago and roamed the continent until the end of the Ice Age. Now, a full-size mastodon mother and calf are on exhibition offering new information about prehistoric elephants in the region. The mastodons help round out the “Life to Death to Discovery” diorama that culminates in a recreated dig to recover mastodon fossils San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands. Tues.-Sun. through Dec. 31. $10. sbcountymuseum.org.

September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 35

September/October San Diego/Orange County/Inland Empire

CALeNDAR International Museum, Balboa Park, 1439 El Prado, San Diego. Through Oct. 2. $7-$10.

(619) 239-0003. mingei.org.

THE LORE BEHIND THE ROAR 100 Years of the San Diego Zoo. Celebrating the centennial of the world-famous San Diego Zoo, this extraordinary family-friendly exhibition tells the story of its humble 1915 beginnings to its evolution as a major tourist attraction and cultural touchstone.

Full of interactive features, visitors can ride on a vintage zoo tour bus, hear stories from long-time zoo employees, live the life of a zookeeper, explore the extensive animal and plant collection and learn things they didn’t know about the world’s most popular zoo.

San Diego History Center, Casa De Balboa, Balboa Park, 1649 El Prado, San Diego.

Through Jan. 31. $6-$8. (619) 232- 6203. sandiegohistory.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9

CLINT BLACK

Heralded as one of country music’s brightest stars, Black performs with a full band for an evening of stories and songs. Black has sold more than 20 million albums including his 1989 debut album, “Killin’ Time,” with songs like “Nothin’ But the Taillights,” “A Better Man” and “Put Yourself in My Shoes.” Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway. $44-$74. (858) 748-0505. powayonstage.org.

and historical documents from the museum’s 56,000-volume collection will be displayed alongside plant and animal specimens and brought to life through touchable objects and multimedia experiences that allow deeper access to the works on display. San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. $15-$27. Through Jan 3. (619) 232-3821. sdnhm.org.

A SUMMER IDYLL: PICTURESQUE VIEWS OF CALIFORNIA This exhibition celebrates summer in the Golden State combining works by historic and contemporary California artists painted over the past 100 years. Historic California impressionist artists featured include Joseph Kleitch (1882-1931), Emil Kosa (1903-1968), Guy Rose (1867-1925), Donna Schuster (1883-1953), George Gardner Symons (18631930) and Sam Hyde Harris (1889-1977). A highlight is Kleitsch’s “Red and Green,” which depicts the artist’s wife and a friend strolling through the gardens of the Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Irvine Museum, 18881 Von Karman Ave., Irvine. Tues-Sat. through Oct. 6.

Free. (949) 476-2565. irvinemuseum.org.

EXTRAORDINARY IDEAS FROM ORDINARY PEOPLE A History of Citizen Science. This new permanent exhibit highlights naturalists and the impact their work and observations has had on science. Rare books, art, photographs,

36 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

BAROQUE TO BLING! High Art and Low from the Collection of Donna MacMillan. If the baroque suggests excess, bling is that final, often glittery, enhancement that brings a sense of awe.

This playful exhibition offers an intimate peek

MYSTERIES AT THE MUSEUM This exhibit features unfamiliar objects from the museum’s anthropology and archaeology, geology, history, and biology collections and challenges visitors to figure out their functions using the scientific method. Some were totally familiar items a century ago; others appear to be commonplace but may not be exactly what they seem. Museum visitors are invited to observe, question, hypothesize, test, decide and share their results by posting notes in the exhibit itself and by using social media. Victor Valley Museum, 11873 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley. Wed.-Sun. through Dec. 31. $5. sbcountymuseum.org.

into the exuberant collection of one of the region’s most prominent collectors. Drawn from museum gifts and loans, this display conveys MacMillan’s distinctively ebullient collecting sensibility through cutting-edge art, fantastic fashion design and sculptural jewelry -- all linked by their highly decorative and meticulously-crafted aesthetics. Palm Springs Art Museum, The Galen and the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, 72-567 Highway 111, Palm Desert. Tues.-Sun. through Oct. 16. Free. (760) 346-5600. psmuseum.org.

ANTHONY FRIEDKIN: THE WAVE PORTFOLIO Renowned California photographer Anthony Friedkin made the 20 black-and-white photographs of his Wave Portfolio between 1977 and 2006, printing them in his own darkroom in Santa Monica. They show waves at Zuma Beach, Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach, La Jolla, Carmel, and Santa Monica.

Laguna Art Museum, Upper Galleries, 307 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach. Through Sept. 25.

Closed Wednesdays. $5-$7. (949) 494-8971. lagunaartmuseum.org.

MINGEI OF JAPAN: TREASURES NEW AND OLD Among donated treasures to be seen for the first time will be important textiles; indigodyed bed-clothes, door-way hangings and kimono belts. A large selection of mostly-19th century Shinto ema paintings will also be exhibited for the first time. These disarming folk paintings depict familiar and exotic animals, vegetables and people. Mingei

PETER KRASNOW: MAVERICK MODERNIST Featuring approximately 50 paintings and 20 sculptures, this is the first museum survey of Krasnow’s work in almost 40 years. His largely realist portraits and symbolic carved sculptures, are examples of social realism and Art Deco. His “Demountables” of the ‘30s and ‘40s—hand-carved wood sculptures assembled from interlocking component parts—are organic abstractions drawing on traditions of folk and tribal art. Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach. Through Sept. 25. Closed Wednesdays. $5-$7. (949) 494-8971. lagunaartmuseum.org.

Get the Word Out. E-mail your announcements to Claire Fadden, cfadden@lifeafter50.com 60 days prior (or even earlier) to your event. Include a brief description, location, date, time, cost, phone and website. Submission does not guarantee publication.

Something for Everyone at North Coast Rep by a.r. gurney “SIPS AND WIT. The laughter… almost continuous” — THE NEW YORK TIMES SEPTEMBER 7 – OCTOBER 2 Directed by Rosina Reynolds

Mix two upper-class New Englanders, their over-privileged adult children and endless cocktails for a delightfully intoxicating evening. Join us for this free-flowing comedy that The New Yorker praised as Gurney’s “best play he has done.”

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September 2016 LIFEAFTER50.COM 37

Rick Steves’ Travels RICK ST EVES’ T RAVELS

Crawling Into the Comfort of Europe’s Pubs and Cafés

A

By Rick Steves

fter a busy day in Vienna, there is nothing like retreating to a velvet couch at the renowned Café Hawelka.

The decor here is circa 1900, with smoke-andcoffee-stained furniture and walls adorned with paintings by struggling artists (who couldn’t pay for coffee). This creaky Viennese institution, where intellectuals such as Leon Trotsky once stewed, has become my local living room when visiting Austria.

All over Europe, I seek out cozy establishments such as this to relax, nurse a drink, and strike up a conversation. Delving into the café culture and historic pubs of the world’s most elegant cities is an enriching way to get some distance from the sightseeing crowds, lighten up a museum-heavy itinerary, reflect on my travels, and pick up on some insider lore.

Vienna’s Café Hawelka is the creative epicenter for artists, poets, and revolutionaries.

Old Man Hawelka himself may have served a melange (as they would have called their cappuccino) to Trotsky, Stalin, Klimt, or Freud in the early 1900s. I ponder how, in the last days of Europe’s family-run empires (essentially all of which died with the end of World War I), Vienna was a place of intellectual tumult — and coffeehouses like this were the social backdrop.

Across town, the iconic Café Sperl dates from 1880 and is still furnished identically to the day it opened — from the coat tree to the gold chandeliers to the ornately upholstered chairs.

An afternoon in this cultural treasure feels like an afternoon among the city’s 19th century creative minds and military elite. With a wide selection of newspapers, and take-all-the-time-you-want charm (despite the famously grumpy waiters), every Viennese coffeehouse offers its own individual character and a welcoming space oozing with history.

In Venice, the venerable Caffè Florian is perfect for a sightseeing break. Sitting elegantly on St. Mark’s Square, Caffè Florian has been a popular spot for a discreet rendezvous since 1720, and everyone from Lord Byron to Woody Allen has paid too much for a drink here. Tourists stake out tables on the square to people-watch and enjoy the Caffè Florian orchestra, which performs each hour with a repertoire including classical, jazz, operetta, and Venetian. But for elegance and ambience, romantics sit inside to appreciate richly decorated rooms, each with a historic or artistic theme, such as the “Room of the Illustrious Men,” which features portraits of great Venetians from Marco Polo to Titian.

You’ll find more cozy comfort in Amsterdam’s bruin (brown) cafés.

These after-hours hangouts get their name

from their dark hardwood interiors and nicotinestained walls, embracing the gezellig (cozy) quality that the Dutch hold dear. Don’t confuse these with “coffeeshops,” where the Dutch gather to buy and smoke marijuana (coffeeshop windows display plants and Rastafarian colors). Brown cafés project a more elegant atmosphere and usually specialize in beer, while others focus on Dutch gin (jenever) and most also serve wine and coffee. Drop in and linger over a drink. Whether in a brown café jammed with noisy patrons or one that’s sleepy and mellow, you’ll find a convivial living room.

In London, the pub is the heart of the people’s England, where all manner of folks have, for generations, found a home away from home. In class-conscious Victorian times, traditional pubs were divided into sections by elaborate screens (now mostly gone), allowing the wealthy to drink in a more refined setting, while commoners congregated on the pub’s rougher side. These “public houses” became comfortable places for groups and clubs to meet, friends and lovers to rendezvous, and families to get out of the house at night. In London, my favorite pub scene is at South Kensington’s Anglesea Arms. Set in a beautiful Georgian building lined with flower boxes spilling color around communal picnic tables, the place is filled with musty paintings and old-timers, dogs wearing Union Jack vests, and a long line of tempting tap handles. Today, timeworn taverns such as the Anglesea Arms are national treasures that still make a cheery refuge from the daily grind or a brief escape for a tired traveler.

After taking in the sights of Europe’s magnificent cities, look for an inviting café or pub where you can soak in the locals’ enthusiasm for their national heritage and traditions. Slow down and experience a good cup of coffee or local beer — and make yourself at home. You’ll return with a broader perspective, some interesting stories, and maybe even a new friend.

Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and radio. You can e-mail him at rick@ricksteves.com and visit his website at www.ricksteves.com.

38 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

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1 LIFEAFTER50.COM FEbRuARy 2015 40 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

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And Finally...

The Bookworm’s Best A Life After 50 book review

by Terri “The Bookworm” Schlichenmeyer

First Dads: Parenting and Politics from George Washington to Barack Obama

By Joshua Kendall

A

h, dear old dad…he can fix almost anything, make something from nothing, and he tells great bedtime stories. He’s the Workshop King, Master of the Television Remote, Lord of the Grill, The Yard Czar, and he likes to think he rules the house, too.

In the new book “First Dads” by Joshua Kendall, dads do rule a house: the most famous one on the face of the planet – the White House.

While George Washington, the Father of Our Country, was not a father, 38 U.S. presidents have produced progeny. Kendall classifies those first dads in groups according to their parenting styles, which sometimes reflected their leadership styles.

Because Franklin D. Roosevelt, for example, was simply too busy to provide much guidance to his children, he was a viewed as a “Preoccupied Dad.” Ronald Reagan also fell under the preoccupied category, as did Zachary Taylor, Jimmy Carter, and Lyndon Johnson.

Kendall says that Ulysses Grant and Teddy Roosevelt were both “Playful Pal” dads meaning they were permissive fathers who were happiest with their children around. Woodrow Wilson, despite his dour reputation, was lighthearted with his kids, too.

John Tyler was an example of a “Double-Dealing Dad.” He had nine children with his first wife, seven kids with his second wife, and a rumored 52 children by slaves and free black women. He didn’t publicly acknowledge any of the latter, nor did Warren Harding, Thomas Jefferson, or Grover Cleveland ever publicly acknowledge their illegitimate offspring.

John Adams, his son John Quincy Adams, and Dwight Eisenhower were “Tiger Dads” who demanded exceptional behavior from their children. Harry Truman, Rutherford Hayes and Barack Obama have been tagged as “Nurturer Dads.”

The book also deals with presidents who have lost children, including Franklin Pierce who never recovered from the death of his youngest son, and George H.W. Bush who never got over the death of his preschool daughter.

Imagine having a family of your own and then becoming responsible for 124 million more families.

Some presidents have done well at both and some, as you’ll see in “First Dads,” were real duds. Much of that, of course, is a matter of conjecture and history, but Kendall takes things a little further in this book. Here, we get an idea of the parenting the presidents received and the childhoods they enjoyed (or didn’t), which, perhaps, affected the kind of parenting they gave their own children. Kendall also reveals what it was like for the wives of these men, the emotional legacy they left their children, and what became of those sons and daughters.

This is a great book for dad, grandpa or the presidential historian in your family. It’s an absorbing read, too, so if you need a book that’ll last awhile, “First Dads” could become very dear to you.

“First Dads: Parenting and Politics from George Washington to Barack Obama” by Joshua Kendall, 2016, Grand Central, $27, 392 pages.

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer who lives on a hill with two dogs and more than 12,000 books. You can read more of her book reviews at www.lifeafter50.com. Just click on “Entertainment” and then “Book Reviews.”

A Look Back

Just A Thought Before We Go

F

ifty years ago this month, the U.S.S. Enterprise under the command of Captain James T. Kirk embarked on a five year mission to explore strange new worlds, to seek new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man had gone before. Created by Gene Roddenberry, “Star Trek” ran for three seasons on NBC. The show, which starred William Shatner as the captain of the 23rd century interstellar exploration done under the auspices of the United Federation of Planets, became a cult phenomenon that was noted for its progressive civil rights stances, which included one of television’s first multiracial casts. Fans of the franchise, known as Trekkies, embraced the show that has evolved into a billion-dollar franchise including feature films, animated and television spin-offs, games, figurines, novels, toys and comics. Today, far more relevant than it was during its original run, “Star Trek’s” most recent offering was a 13th feature, “Star Trek Beyond,” released last month to coincide with the franchise’s 50th anniversary, and a new “Star Trek” television series slated to premiere in January 2017 on CBS All Access. In a nod to the iconic show’s 50th anniversary, the complete original series is now available on DVD at www.startrek.com and William Shatner will be featured on next month’s cover of Life After 50.

42 LIFEAFTER50.COM September 2016

“He who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden.”

– Plato

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