Updates from Elm Street

A Celebration of Life: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID RAPPAPORT!!!

Every 23rd of November there is much joy throughout the land as we celebrate the life of David Rappaport.  This year, however, the brilliance of this occasion sparkles even brighter because it marks what would have been his 60th birthday.  That's right, Cats and Kittens....the BIG 6 0.  Judging by the messages left around the internet and submitted via email, private celebrations are happening worldwide, which (all added up) makes for one fantastic public do in his honour.  (Important Reminder: don't forget to bring the mischief and anarchy, or it just wouldn't be a proper David Rappaport party)

There is no one word to best describe David Rappaport.  Nor, does any one performance in his amazingly full and eclectic career embody him more than another.  Hero or Villain. Devil or Saint. Comedy or Drama. Musician or Mime. Delivering scripted speeches or ad-libbing a public address. David Rappaport has, and continues to, capture the attention and inspire one and all to think, as well as live, far beyond the outside of the box.

Think you know everything there is to know about David Rappaport's career?  Think again...and, Stay tuned throughout this special anniversary year for all the mischief, mayhem, and surprises sure to come your way.

Many thanks to all those who have sent in their remembrances to the Rappaport family.  These messages have certainly added much sparkle to their own treasured memories.  If you haven't written in yet, please consider doing so.  Thank you!!

Messages may be sent to: [email protected]

David Rappaport 60th Birthday Invitation

Wednesday, 23 November, will mark what would have been David Rappaport's 60th Birthday.  To celebrate this special anniversary, you are cordially invited to share your David Rappaport story with his family.  Please email your story / message to [email protected]  This is the first time in 21 years such an invitation has been extended, so please don't let this opportunity pass you by.  The Rappaport family has been greatly cheered by all of the wonderful messages received so far.

Did David Rappaport have a positive influence on your life?  Which performances / public appearances have you seen?  Which would you like to see?  (These are only example topics, of course.)

Messages do not need to be submitted in English if this is not your first language.

Again, the email address is: [email protected]

Thank you for helping David Rappaport's family celebrate his life.  And, don't forget to celebrate by making a bit of merriment and mischief!!

Rescue The Wizard Update

So, you want to know why you should bother taking the time to write emails and letters, add your name to a global petition, and vote on the TV Guide website 'TV Shows on DVD' when everything seems to look so hopeless and impossible?  Take a moment to visit 'The Wizard's website home page and let Simon McKay tell you personally:

www.thewizardtvfansite.com

(the video is not for distribution or sale)

As someone wrote in the other day, taking the step of helping often takes courage.  Both David Rappaport and 'The Wizard' touched many people very deeply, whether in person or on the screen.  Dave's tragic death and the cancellation of 'The Wizard' touched a nerve.  But we are here today to reunite and overcome our grief together in order to bring the magic of both to new audiences all over the world.  Each one of us must remember it isn't just about us...and we are not alone.  Please help the Rappaport family make your wish, and their's, come true this year!!

Rescue The Wizard Global Petition

TV Guide's TV Shows On DVD Website

The number of signatures and votes you find on these webpages will never increase unless you join in.  There are certainly far more than 2,000 or even 6,000 fans in the US alone.

Thank you for all of your time and help in Rescuing The Wizard!!

'Observations' by Arthur B. Rubinstein

Looking for an out-of-this-world soundtrack to enhance those summer evenings under the stars?  'The Wizard's own Arthur B. Rubinstein (the man who composed the theme song that sets your imagination ablaze), in association with Intrada Records, has a new album that's just what the astronomer ordered.

Recorded in 2009, 'Observations: from Galileo to the Space Age' is a Symphony in the Glen concert celebrating the International Year of Astronomy.  The title piece is presented in both the original version narrated by Leonard Nimoy, and as a purely orchestral recording.

'Observations' is currently available at the following locations:

Intrada Records

iTunes

Amazon.com MP3 Downloads

Symphony in the Glen Concert Program is a free, family-friendly, accessible music series held in Los Angeles' Griffith Park.  Check out their website for more information and concert schedules.

Special Olympics "Joke" Made By President Is Haunting Reminder For Us All

Viewer letters sent to The Wizard & David Rappaport clearly show that this series made important strides towards disability/different-ability awareness & putting a stop to bigotry & discrimination. For so many viewers, it was a refreshing & empowering change to finally see themselves portrayed as real people through characters who neither exhibited, nor were treated in, the stereotypical manner to which the non-disabled community remains so securely accustomed to. The Wizard's dedication to keeping it as real as they could was refreshing & empowering to non-disabled viewers, as well.

Obviously, one of the effects of removing The Wizard from the airwaves was the undoing of so much of the series' strides towards diversity, awareness, & the realization that disability does not equal lesser-than, and caring & pity are 2 entirely different things.

The continuation of discrimination through ignorance, & the unfortunate delusion that it is OK, has most recently been demonstrated by US President Barack Obama who, during an appearance with talk show host Jay Leno (March 19, 2009), attempted to make a joke by equating his skills at American bowling to the Special Olympics to prove how badly he bowled. The White House quickly released a follow-up statement swearing this wasn't meant to make fun of or discriminate against the Special Olympics or their atheletes, & that the President has nothing against the Special Olympics.

Everyone with The Wizard is deeply disturbed by both of these statements, which we would not consider intelligent, funny or cool no matter who expressed them.

Fact is, the only thing either of these remarks prove is that discrimination is very much alive, well, & accepted in America, especially towards the disabled/differently-able community. That the chasm between the disabled & non-disabled community has not narrowed in the past 23 years. It is long past time for a change.

We sincerely hope that if President Obama really truly wishes to see an end to bigotry & discrimination during his presidency, he will start with himself - as should we all. Discrimination against, & making fun of, anyone who is different in any way is not only beyond ignorant, but also still bigotry. This, believe it or not, includes those who are disabled/differently-able.

"You don't judge a person by their height. It's the size of their heart that really matters. And, you know we've all got something in common. We're all different." - Simon MKay to Brian in "El Dorado"

Attention: David Rappaport Fans & Fans of The Wizard

If you already belong to, or just joined, an internet community like Facebook, MySpace, Orkut, etc., & think a fan tribute page is in order, please make sure to ask for permission/authorization from the Rappaport family &/or Michael Berk & Douglas Schwartz before continuing.  On most of these sites, it is quite rightly against the rules to create such pages unless one is authorized by the person, estate or entity to do so.

When The Wizard website was created a main goal of The MGT. was to make certain that as many people from The Wizard, especially David Rappaport's family, would be involved.  Their approval sought.  It took a lot of hard work, but that goal was met nearly a year ago.  There is no longer an excuse for anyone to create such pages or sites without permission again.

Steps will be taken whenever possible to shut down any web pages or sites which are disrespectful & detrimental to David Rappaport, The Wizard, & the Rescue The Wizard campaign.  We are serious in this endeavor & expect Wizard fans to act in a Wizardly manner.

If you love David & The Wizard, then please join Nabil Shaban, The MGT. & everyone with The Wizard by always choosing to act with respect towards his memory, legacy & family.

Thank you!!!

Rescue The Wizard Campaign

One of the great things about this blog is the opportunity it presents to give the public another chance to let 20th Century Fox & everyone with The Wizard know how much the series means, & how much you would like to watch it again - or for the first time.

So, here we go:

Please leave a comment on this post to vote for The Wizard.  Vote early, vote often, & please make sure your comment/vote is suitable reading for general audiences.  We care very much.

Any new posts in future will contain a tally of the posts which came before.

All of these messages, every name on the Petition, from every corner of the globe is having an impact.  It would be wonderful to bring The Wizard's message of finding non-violent solutions to problems back out into the world again.

Thank you from everyone with The Wizard & 20th Century Fox Studios!!!