BEN VEREEN … COMIN’ AT YA (1975) – As famous and celebrated as the multitalented Ben Vereen is, he’s STILL underrated! At least here in 2026 he is, but in 1975 the stage and television performer was enchanting the U.S. like no other black performer since Sammy Davis Jr.
A virtual human whirlwind, Vereen had made a name for himself on the stage in productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin and others. He appeared in the films Sweet Charity (as he had on stage) and Funny Lady (ditto).
In 1975 Ben’s performance in the miniseries Roots was still in the future, but most of America was introduced to the incredible entertainer that year during his 4-episode summer replacement series – a variety hour titled Ben Vereen … Comin’ at Ya.
Vereen hosted the program plus sang, danced and starred in comedy sketches with celebrity guest stars. One of the show’s regulars was the one and only Lola Falana, who always got a show-stopping introduction from Ben. (“Lola Fuh-LAW-Naaa, Lola Fuh-LAW-Naaa.”)
The other regulars were Liz Torres and Arte Johnson, and the opening theme was Magic to Do from Pippin.
THE PROGRAM: Continue reading
HEART OF AMERICA ATHLETIC CONFERENCE – Only one Upset in the HAAC Tournament Opening Round. 
WAVELENGTH (1983) – This is an unjustly neglected science fiction film that stars Robert Carradine, Cherie Currie and Keenan Wynn in a very unconventional love triangle: both Carradine and Currie are fighting over Wynn. (I’m kidding!) 
ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP aka Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp (1917) – Remember how the 1976 movie Bugsy Malone presented a gangster tale with children in all the roles? And how Shirley Temple starred in an entire series of Baby Burlesque shorts with all-child casts in assorted genres? Well, this 80-minute silent film was earlier than all of them. 
DAIGORO VS GOLIATH (1972) – This neglected kaiju (giant monster) film from Japan is one of the most obscure of them all in America. That’s odd since the movie was a joint project between the creators of Godzilla AND the creators of Ultraman, two very popular characters here in the west.
NUMBER FOUR TAKES A FALL – On Senior Night for the SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY FIRE they welcomed the number 4 team in the nation – the AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY GYRENES. The Fire put AMU on Upset Alert by Halftime with their 39-29 lead, but the Gyrenes forced Overtime with a 71-71 tie. In the extra session Southeastern U. won 83-80. Anthony Kangah led the victors with 21 points while teammate Nathan Mikkelson got a Double Double of 19 points and 13 rebounds.
CENTURY CLUB – Teams scoring 100 or more points in Regulation: The ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS COLLEGE POMEROYS beat the visiting INDIANA UNIVERSITY AT COLUMBUS CRIMSON PRIDE 101-70 ### Meanwhile, the UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE (OH) RED STORM downed the KENTUCKY CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY KNIGHTS 114-79 ### And the GOVERNORS STATE JAGUARS won 107-55 at the JUDSON UNIVERSITY EAGLES. 
FROM September 7th, 2020: 
He also contrasted Trump’s successful record with Joe Biden’s abysmal record on the same issues.
“These achievements demonstrate that Donald Trump truly cares about black lives. His policies show his heart.”
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