Justin Wilson Dies at 37

Justin Wilson

(July 31, 1978 – August 24, 2015)

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Aug. 24, 2015 - A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles about the passing of Indianapolis 500 and United States Grand Prix veteran Justin Wilson:

"We're saddened to have lost such an exceptional driver, friend and role model to many in the INDYCAR community. Justin was one of the most versatile and talented drivers of the last 15 years, as evidenced by his wins in sports cars, Champ Car and INDYCAR. More important than his driving ability was his approachable personality, his calm spirit, and the respect he earned throughout the racing community for the tremendous person, friend, father and husband he was. Justin made innumerable friends and admirers throughout the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR communities. All of us at IMS extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the Wilson family."

Wilson first competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 2003 United States Grand Prix, finishing eighth and scoring his lone Formula One championship point of his career. Beginning in 2008, Wilson had competed in eight straight Indianapolis 500 races (2008 - 2015), finishing in the top 10 three times, with a best finish of fifth in 2013. Wilson also competed in the Verizon IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Indianapolis in 2014 and 2015. He is just one of three drivers who has competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the United States Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the Grand Prix of Indianapolis.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and media trainer. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Jim Irsay, Marilyn Monroe ~ How do we decide who to ridicule and who to support?

We are all aware (now) of the Indianapolis Colts' owner Jim Irsay's arrest Sunday. If not, the head
of the football team faces four preliminary counts of Class D felony possession of controlled substances and one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

He was pulled over in Carmel, Ind., by police and failed several roadside tests for sobriety. Preliminary does not mean he will be officially charged, of course. That remains to be seen.

Many people are rallying around Irsay, wishing him to get help for his addiction(s) and citing his numerous good deeds. I also wish him to beat his demons and can think of nothing worse than not being able to break away from something controlling your every moment. Popular Indianapolis Star sports writer Bob Kravitz says it very well (read by clicking here) in his column.

So... here's my question. Why do we poke fun, roll our eyes and laugh at comedians using Lohan as the butt of too many jokes? Why is it funny about some, yet horrific with others?

Robert Downey, Jr., has become Hollywood's darling, after being in and out of confinement for various drug-related situations. A superior actor, we can only be awed by his strength to also kick his own personal demons.

Lindsay Lohan, also good (at one time) in the acting occupation, has been fighting her alcohol addiction and other demons to an unsuccessful note, unfortunately.

We forgive America's Sweetheart, Reese Witherspoon, in an instant for her and her husband driving intoxicated and becoming belligerent with police, but condemn Mel Gibson for his alcohol addiction and ranting.

Why?

Why can't we find sympathy in our hearts for the Gibsons and Lohans of the world? Why must we ridicule them instead of root for them and support them in their attempts to fight a demon most could not beat?

Is it that we like them prior to their so-called antics to forgive and support? We adored little Lindsay in the remake of The Parent Trap, and now shrug and laugh at her issues. We weep for the damage to the wonderful songstress and actress Judy Garland, who died due to alcoholism, but make fun of Anna Nicole Smith, who passed away from drug use.

So many have lost their lives to alcohol and drugs: Whitney Houston, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Marilyn Monroe... too many to list.

Shouldn't we support all of them in their attempts to kick the addiction? What is the differentiating factor? Is it because some give to charities while others squander their wealth? I have no idea and reach out to you for your ideas on the subject.

Bottom Line: What determines whether we, as a society, support or ridicule the famous person battling addictions? I would enjoy hearing your thoughts in the comments section, or otherwise.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel, food, wine and spirits columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Catch her as Indy’s Personal Lifestyle Adviser on Indy Style, WISH8 (CBS). Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, and in magazines. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Sammy Terry Dies at 83

Sammy Terry (Robert Carter) 1929- June 30, 2013

Sammy Terry (nee Robert "Bob" Carter) who appeared as the ghoulish character "Sammy Terry" during the 1960s, '70s and '80s as host on late night "Nightmare Theater," and "Shock Theater," has died. Terry appeared on local television affiliate WTTV in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The weekend popular program showed two films with break commentary by the host. The host would play with his faithful pet spider, George, and chat with the audience.

Sammy Terry Official Website

Article in Southsider Voice about Sammy Terry

Outside of the campy, B-movie show, Carter owned and managed his music store, Family Music Center,  on Indy's east side.
Carter had lived for the past several years in a retirement community, passing away Sunday. A public viewing is expected to be arranged and announced.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Phyllis Diller Dies at 95

Phyllis Diller (July 17, 1917 – August 20, 2012)

Phyllis Diller, born Phyllis Ada Driver, considered the queen of comedy during the 19 50s, '60s and '70s, has died at the age of 95 in her home in Los Angeles, California. The Las Vegas performer and popular one-liner comedian was best known for her sitcoms, "The Phyllis Diller Show" and "The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show." Diller also appeared regularly on "Laugh In" and "Love, American Style" and numerous movie and television roles.

The humorist toured extensively with Bob Hope for USO tours throughout Vietnam. More recently, Diller provided vocal talent for Disney/Pixar's "Bug's Life."

Diller was preceded in death by her longtime partner, Robert Hastings,  and survived by her son Perry, her daughter Suzanne Mills, and several grand children and  one great-grandchild.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Richard Dawson Dies at 79

RICHARD DAWSON

(Nov. 20, 1932 - June 2, 2012) 

Richard Dawson (nee Colin Lionel Emm), born Nov. 20, 1932, died June 2, 2012 from esophageal cancer. The British-born actor became a United States citizen in 1984.

Dawson was a cast member of the unexpected hit series, Hogan's Heroes, (1965-71), portraying Cpl. Peter Newkirk. The sitcom revolved around a WWII prisoner camp.

Family Feud

Known perhaps best for hosting the popular game show, Family Feud, (1976-89), Dawson was also a regular guest on the '70s popular game show, Match Game 73 (1973-82).

Dawson is survived by his wife, Gretchen, their daughter Shannon, two sons, Mark and Gary, from his first marriage to British film star Diana Dors, and four grandchildren.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Infused is published at FoodandDrinkDigital.com. Gotta Go is published on BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Whitney Houston Dies at 48

 Whitney Elizabeth Houston, (Aug. 9, 1963 – Feb. 11, 2012)

Whitney Elizabeth Houston, born Aug. 9, 1963, passed away today at the age of 48. Setting, and breaking, music records throughout her career, Houston topped the charts in the 1980s and '90s.

The daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston, Whitney flourished in the pop genre, selling more than 170 million albums. Starting her career as a model, she quickly adapted to the musical arena stemming from her roots singing in the church.

Representatives for Ms. Houston have declined to furnish any details about the songbird's death other than to confirm she passed away on February 11, 2012. Beverly Hills Police Dept. representative, Lt.Mark Rosen, has confirmed that Houston died in her room at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. Detectives are investigating the cause of death.


Houston's death on the eve of the 54th annual Grammy Awards is bittersweet as she once reigned as pop music's queen, scooping up the award six times with a total of 16 nominations during her career.
Some of her numerous chart-topping hits include, Saving all my Love for You, You Give Good Love, How Will I know, Greatest Love of All, I Will Always Love You and Didn't We Almost Have it All.
Other credits to her are films The Bodyguard, (1992) costarring Houston and Kevin Costner, and 1995's Waiting to Exhale, with Angela Bassett.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGO and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.