This was just to fun not to share!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
RIP The Taco Bell Chihuahua
When I saw this news item, I had to post it:
Taco Bell dog Gidget dies at 15
By Robert Jablon, The Associated Press
Posted: 07/22/2009 06:04:28 PM PDT
LOS ANGELES - Gidget the Chihuahua, the bug-eyed, big-eared star of 1990s Taco Bell commercials who was a diva on and off the screen, has died. She was 15. Gidget suffered a massive stroke late Tuesday night at her trainer's home in Santa Clarita and had to be euthanized, said Karin McElhatton, owner of Studio Animal Services in Castaic, which owned the dog.
By Robert Jablon, The Associated Press
Posted: 07/22/2009 06:04:28 PM PDT
LOS ANGELES - Gidget the Chihuahua, the bug-eyed, big-eared star of 1990s Taco Bell commercials who was a diva on and off the screen, has died. She was 15. Gidget suffered a massive stroke late Tuesday night at her trainer's home in Santa Clarita and had to be euthanized, said Karin McElhatton, owner of Studio Animal Services in Castaic, which owned the dog.
Although she was hard of hearing, Gidget was otherwise in good health up to the day of her death, eating well and playing with her favorite squeaky toys at the home of trainer Sue Chipperton, McElhatton said.
"She was retired. She lived like a queen, very pampered," McElhatton said.
Gidget was found at a kennel and wasn't show quality, McElhatton said; she had an undershot jaw and huge ears.
Gidget was found at a kennel and wasn't show quality, McElhatton said; she had an undershot jaw and huge ears.
But Gidget knew she was a star, McElhatton said.
"She was a prima donna, basically. She absolutely knew when she was on camera," McElhatton said.
In a 1997 Taco Bell television commercial, Gidget was seen as a male dog who, through the magic of special effects and a voice actor, proclaims in a richly accented voice: "Yo quiero Taco Bell" - Spanish for "I want Taco Bell."
Viewers were charmed. What was supposed to be a single ad became a campaign that ran from 1997 to 2000.
The ads made the Taco Bell mascot wildly popular, although they provoked criticism from activists who accused them of promoting Hispanic stereotypes.
While other Chihuahuas had bit parts, McElhatton said it was Gidget who got the closeups and the quips (Carlos Alazraqui was the voice).
Gidget traveled first-class, opened up the New York Stock Exchange and made an appearance at Madison Square Garden, McElhatton said.
In later years, she did other acting work, appearing in a 2002 commercial for the insurance company GEICO and in the 2003 movie "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde."
She remained the object of affection after her retirement, going on hikes and beach visits with her trainer. She aged gracefully, and liked nothing more than to snooze in the sun.
"She was like a little old lady. She'd kind of gotten smaller," McElhatton said.
Gidget will be cremated, McElhatton said. Her owners had not decided on a final disposition of her remains. Taco Bell Corp. said in a statement Gidget would be missed by many. "Our deepest sympathies go out to her owners and fans," the company said.
"She was a prima donna, basically. She absolutely knew when she was on camera," McElhatton said.
In a 1997 Taco Bell television commercial, Gidget was seen as a male dog who, through the magic of special effects and a voice actor, proclaims in a richly accented voice: "Yo quiero Taco Bell" - Spanish for "I want Taco Bell."
Viewers were charmed. What was supposed to be a single ad became a campaign that ran from 1997 to 2000.
The ads made the Taco Bell mascot wildly popular, although they provoked criticism from activists who accused them of promoting Hispanic stereotypes.
While other Chihuahuas had bit parts, McElhatton said it was Gidget who got the closeups and the quips (Carlos Alazraqui was the voice).
Gidget traveled first-class, opened up the New York Stock Exchange and made an appearance at Madison Square Garden, McElhatton said.
In later years, she did other acting work, appearing in a 2002 commercial for the insurance company GEICO and in the 2003 movie "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde."
She remained the object of affection after her retirement, going on hikes and beach visits with her trainer. She aged gracefully, and liked nothing more than to snooze in the sun.
"She was like a little old lady. She'd kind of gotten smaller," McElhatton said.
Gidget will be cremated, McElhatton said. Her owners had not decided on a final disposition of her remains. Taco Bell Corp. said in a statement Gidget would be missed by many. "Our deepest sympathies go out to her owners and fans," the company said.
So, let us all raise not a flagon of bloodwine, but instead, a taco, a burrito, or whatever Taco Bell delicacy you prefer in her honor.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
CHUY DAH July 2009
First of all, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy (if somewhat belated) 4th of July! Hope your holiday was a good one!
Also, a belated Happy Birthday to our Lt. K’Ana as well!
[Yes, once again, this newsletter is late. But at least it’s here.]
Is it me, or has the Grim Reaper been playing “catch-up” lately? Look at the list of celebrities we’ve lost -- and all in the span of a couple of weeks:
Ed McMahon
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
Billy Mays (TV’s master pitchman)
Gale Storm (actress & singer from the early 60s)
Fred Travelena (master impressionist)
Karl Malden
Steve McNair (ex-quarterback for the Tennesee Titans)
It just goes to prove that Death doesn’t discriminate - when your number’s up, it’s up; it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do.
So take a moment and raise a glass to those who have gone on ahead of us.
FROM THE XO’S DESK
To start off, I’m pleased to report that our Intelligence Officer, Capt. K’Hper, is back from an extended medical leave. Welcome back, my brother, may I say that you’ve been gone too long.
I was glad to see the turnout at last month’s Ship Picnic. We had it all that day -- great weather, good food, and the company of fellow warriors. I ask you, does it get any better?
(Well, yes, if Tuscora Park could improve their frakking parking!)
July’s event will be a crew trip to the Borders bookstore at The Strip in North Canton on July 11th -- which will be this Saturday. I plan on leaving for Borders around 10 - 11 am, so judge your own departure time. We’ll be having dinner at the Belden Village Mall’s Food Court, to be followed by a possible mall crawl, time and interest permitting. I hope to see you all there.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
7/4: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
7/6: Lt. K’Ana’s birthday
7/9: Chancellor Klaad and Judok’s anniversary
7/31: Clan Makhleod’s anniversay
Also, a belated Happy Birthday to our Lt. K’Ana as well!
[Yes, once again, this newsletter is late. But at least it’s here.]
Is it me, or has the Grim Reaper been playing “catch-up” lately? Look at the list of celebrities we’ve lost -- and all in the span of a couple of weeks:
Ed McMahon
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
Billy Mays (TV’s master pitchman)
Gale Storm (actress & singer from the early 60s)
Fred Travelena (master impressionist)
Karl Malden
Steve McNair (ex-quarterback for the Tennesee Titans)
It just goes to prove that Death doesn’t discriminate - when your number’s up, it’s up; it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do.
So take a moment and raise a glass to those who have gone on ahead of us.
FROM THE XO’S DESK
To start off, I’m pleased to report that our Intelligence Officer, Capt. K’Hper, is back from an extended medical leave. Welcome back, my brother, may I say that you’ve been gone too long.
I was glad to see the turnout at last month’s Ship Picnic. We had it all that day -- great weather, good food, and the company of fellow warriors. I ask you, does it get any better?
(Well, yes, if Tuscora Park could improve their frakking parking!)
July’s event will be a crew trip to the Borders bookstore at The Strip in North Canton on July 11th -- which will be this Saturday. I plan on leaving for Borders around 10 - 11 am, so judge your own departure time. We’ll be having dinner at the Belden Village Mall’s Food Court, to be followed by a possible mall crawl, time and interest permitting. I hope to see you all there.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
7/4: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
7/6: Lt. K’Ana’s birthday
7/9: Chancellor Klaad and Judok’s anniversary
7/31: Clan Makhleod’s anniversay
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