Meet Gary Motley, intergalactic musician.
The director of jazz studies in Emory University's music department is just back from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where his cousin, astronaut Bobby Satcher, launched with the crew of the Atlantis space shuttle bound for the International Space Station.
Motley played “How High the Moon,” and other suitable jazz tunes during a celebratory send-off in a hangar of the space center. Satcher, whose duties while in orbit included performing a space walk, took along his cousin's jazz CD , titled “Renaissance,” as a calming diversion during his down time while drifting high above the earth.
“I’m thrilled,” Motley said. “I think it’s also special to him, because he’s taking that connection to the family with him into space.”
From the desk of Buzz
Dear Unclassy Writer on NCAA.com,
The mean-spirited take on the late Uga VII you posted on Friday was not funny. Cracking jokes about a dead animal? Come on. Buzz (who is a Tar Heel, by the way) wasn't the only one who found your jabs at the grieving Bulldog Nation in poor taste. In fact, it looks like a Gator fan took you to school.
"We actually admire the Georgia Bulldog tradition and having that English Bulldog on their side," Bob from Jacksonville wrote in response to your vitriol. "Regardless of whether it is another school's mascot, or your own beloved pet, having an animal die unexpectedly like he did is never something which should be the topic of an attempted humorous story."
We're with Bob.
Love, Buzz
Buzz in our ear
R&B singer Monica, the star of a new and star of a new BET reality show, lent her talents to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at its Nov. 14 gala. The mom of two performed "Angel of Mine" for a VIP crowd at the "Night to Remember," which benefited Children's at Hughes Spalding. The evening began with a welcome from Doug Hertz, chairman of the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation board, and featured remarks from Children's president and CEO Donna Hyland. The event was co-chaired by Lovette Russell (a Hughes Spalding baby!) and business leader Rosalind Brewer.
Overscene
Celebrity stylist Gretta Monahan, who appears regularly on Rachael Ray's and Tim Gunn's television shows, turned out for the grand opening of the new Cumberland Mall H&M store last week.
Say what?
"I have two younger brothers. I have a little bit of experience in that area."
- Sweet and well-mannered Lovett School freshman Charlotte K. Matthews, 14, telling Buzz how she summons the sharp edges in her character Lindsay for "The Greening of Whitney Brown." The family-friendly movie stars Brooke Shields, Aidan Quinn and Kris Kristofferson.
Say what? Part II
"I really love everyone's accents in Georgia. They're so fun."
- Sammi Hanratty, the 14-year-old lead character in "The Greening of Whitney Brown," on her experiences here during the filming.
Celebrity birthdays
Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas ("Basic Instinct," "Showgirls") is 65. Actor Steve Landesberg ("Barney Miller") is 64. Comedy writer Bruce Vilanch ("Hollywood Squares") is 62. Singer Bruce Hornsby is 55. Actor Maxwell Caulfield ("The Colbys") is 50. Actor John Henton ("The Hughleys," "Living Single") is 49. "Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts is 49. Singer-guitarist Ken Block of Sister Hazel is 43. Drummer Charlie Grover of Sponge is 43. Actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield ("Family Law") is 42. Actor Oded Fehr ("The Mummy") is 39. Rapper Kurupt of Tha Dogg Pound is 37. Actor Page Kennedy ("Desperate Housewives") is 33. Actress Kelly Brook ("Smallville") is 30. Actor Lucas Grabeel ("High School Musical") is 25. Singer-actress Miley Cyrus ("Hannah Montana") is 17. Actor Austin Majors ("NYPD Blue") is 14.
Contributing: news services
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