Ray Bradbury 1920-2012
by John Stephen Walsh

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To those who mourn, remember what Mr. Electro said. . .  Ray Bradbury caught me with "The Jar," and from there it was a lifelong friendship with an excited kid, his collections like Saturday afternoons in a cluttered attic talking about ghosts and time and playground bullies and racism and individuality and Mars, always Mars, and the mix of sadness and joy that accompanied growing up and saying goodbye to childhood. 

He believed we deserved our own, American fantasy that was not ashamed that it was loose and joyous and weird and did not bow to the musty respectability of European tradition--no depression, no moaning about the nothingness of it all. (Ray would have sent a dinosaur to chase Camus's stranger.) 

He used simple words and descriptions and even simpler characters to wonder about the big issues, focusing on images and moments that resonated: a spaceship rupturing, and the falling crew members inspire a child who makes a wish on a shooting star; an automated house gradually destroys itself; a man encounters a Martian on a lonely road at night, knowing he is speaking to a ghost...except the Martian thinks he is, too...and they're both right... 

Bradbury knew the power of the tonic that gave one the dreams to go on, spooked and excited by life. He was the bottler of our dreams and nightmares, and that is why Mr. Electro is not denied, years after making a pronouncement over young Ray. Through his works and the countless children he helped become readers, Ray will do as the man he met at the carnival decreed: "Live forever." 

~ Originally published at unimonsterscrypt.blogspot.com

(John Stephen Walsh is a writer whose new collection of horror stories, Love Has A Taste, is available at Amazon.com) 

"I love to say it because it upsets everyone terribly - Burroughs is probably the most influential writer in the entire history of the world. By giving romance and adventure to a whole generation of boys, Burroughs caused them to go out and decide to become special. That's what we have to do for everyone, give the gift of life with our books. Say to a girl or boy at age ten: Hey, life is fun! Grow tall! I've talked to more biochemists and more astronomers and technologists in various fields, who, when they were ten years old, fell in love with John Carter and Tarzan and decided to become something romantic. Burroughs put us on the moon.”
—Ray Bradbury in “Listen To The Echoes: The Ray Bradbury Interviews

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My next madness happened in 1931, when Harold Foster’s first series of Sunday color panels based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’s “Tarzan” appeared, and I simultaneously discovered, next door at my uncle Bion’s house, the “John Carter of Mars” books. I know that “The Martian Chronicles” would never have happened if Burroughs hadn’t had an impact on my life at that time.

I memorized all of “John Carter” and “Tarzan,” and sat on my grandparents’ front lawn repeating the stories to anyone who would sit and listen. I would go out to that lawn on summer nights and reach up to the red light of Mars and say, “Take me home!” I yearned to fly away and land there in the strange dusts that blew over dead-sea bottoms toward the ancient cities.
2012 quote in New Yorker

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(As a kid, growing up mostly in Waukegan, Ill., young Ray fed on Poe and was so excited by Edgar Rice Burroughs, especially his John Carter of Mars novels, that he wrote a fan sequel to “Warlord of Mars” at the age of 12.)

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Our full Ray Bradbury Tribute will appear in a later edition of ERBzine.

Now join Captain Carter on his maiden voyage to Mars in what is a fully annotated edition of the classic A Princess of Mars, with extensive notes prepared by noted Burroughs scholar Aaron Parrett. And thrill to all-new adventures written in tribute to the novel by Matthew Stover (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Caine's Law), Daniel Keys Moran (The A.I. War), Chuck Rosenthal (The Heart of Mars) and more!

CONTENTS
Publication Date: April 24, 2012  • "Introduction" by Robert Zeuschner
• “A Friend in Thark” by Matthew Stover: A “lost chapter” of A Princess of Mars about a friendship that will become legendary throughout Mars.
• “Uncle Jack” by Daniel Keys Moran: A dying man on Mars receives a guest of the most unlikely sort.
• “The Whites Apes of Iss” by Mark D'Anna: The untold story of the keeper of the atmosphere factory, and his fateful encounter with a mysterious visitor.
• “Gentleman of Virginia” by Michael Kogge: A young Southerner's obsession with Mars leads him to volunteer for the Confederate Army.
• “Zero Mars” by Aaron Parrett: Daring young Maizy Theta risks her freedom on Mars to save the life of Hypatia, a promising mathematician on Earth.
• “An Island in the Moon” by Chuck Rosenthal: The greatest warlord of Mars returns home and discovers it has changed dramatically from the red planet he knew.
•  Illustrations by Dan Parsons

With a specially-prepared bibliography of Burroughs resources.

This book is not affiliated with, nor has been licensed, approved, or authorized by any entity of the Edgar Rice Burroughs estate or Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.

From the first publication of the smash hit Tarzan of the Apes, Burroughs' ape man captured the hearts and the imaginations of adults and children across the globe, whether by written word, moving image, comic strip or radio. Each of the 24 original novels and the many varied appearances on stage, screen and in print receive a detailed commentary, illustrated with some of the most evocative and beautiful artworks, illustrations and photographs, many rarely seen in print before.

With features on Korak, Jane, Tantor and Cheetah, plus their innumerable friends, foes and exotic adventures, this is an amazing collection of all things Tarzan and a vital addition to any Tarzan-lover's library.

“To have the Tarzan stories I drew commemorate the 100th anniversary of a strip I fell in love with as a kid is the thrill of a lifetime,” said Joe Kubert, writer and artist of all the stories in this Artist’s Edition.

This Artist’s Edition collects six complete Kubert Tarzan adventures, including the classic four-part origin story. Each page is vividly reproduced from the original art and presented as no comics readers have seen before. For fans of Kubert and Tarzan, this new entry in the Eisner-winning Artist’s Edition line must be seen to be believed!

Münich, June 5th  2012 – With so many charmes, enthusiastic and innovative filmtechnic, you can see the great enthusiasm at the nearly 80 German and international journalists : Hollywood has entered Bayern! Both American actors Kellan Lutz (Tarzan) and Spencer Locke (Jane) are already been together for some time in the 3000 m2 movie hall no 12 on the Bavaria Area for the remake of Tarzan.

Today, they stood together with Reinhard Klooss, responsible for screenwriting, directing and production, as well as producer Martin Moszkowicz to answer questions from the journalists. The dimensions of the world's largest motion Capture sets, where at the moment a film crew of approximately 150 people in Bavaria Film studios under high pressure are working on the most famous Jungle Lord of all time to create, with the latest CGI, a new, exciting life, brought a fascinating amazement to the present audience.

Accordingly, all attendees are looking forward for the the theatrical release planned for 2013, when Tarzan 3D - Inspired by the world famous adventure stories written by Edgar Rice Burroughs and edited by Constantin Film in collaboration with Ambient Entertainment for the modern time - as the animation adventure of all time, will conquer the movie screens.

TARZAN CREDITS Cast: Kellan Lutz (TWILIGHT SAGA, WAR OF THE GODS) as Tarzan, Spencer Locke (RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE) as Jane
Production: Reinhard Klooss (URMEL VOLL IN FAHRT, KONFERENZ DER TIERE) Robert Kulzer (RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE, DIE DREI MUSKETIERE),
Executive Producer: Martin Moszkowicz (Vorstand Film & Fernsehen bei Constantin Film, RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE, DIE DREI MUSKETIERE, TÜRKISCH FÜR ANFÄNGER)
Script: Reinhard Klooss (URMEL VOLL IN FAHRT, KONFERENZ DER TIERE), Jessica Postigo, Yoni Brenner (ICE AGE)
Direction: Reinhard Klooss (URMEL VOLL IN FAHRT, KONFERENZ DER TIERE) A Constantin Film collaborated with Ambient Entertainment Produktion.
TARZAN will be promoted by FFA, FFF, nordmedia, BKM und DFFF.

Edgar Rice Burroughs Inducted
Into San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame Los Angeles Daily News ~ May 31, 2012
Four Valley institutions and a famous late author get their Hall pass next Thursday night. They are the fifth class being inducted into the Valley Industry and Commerce Association's Business Hall of Fame. 

This year's class consists of Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs, Casa Vega restaurant, Valley College, Kaiser Permanente and Universal Studios, which turns 100 this year.

"The San Fernando Valley Business Hall of Fame is a special opportunity for VICA to celebrate the entities and individuals who have significantly contributed to the Valley's unique culture and economy," VICA Chair David Adelman said in a statement when the list was announced in April.

Eisenhart-Rothe declared his interest in making a documentary on the 100th anniversary of the legendary Tarzan, in which De Wet's quest to be Tarzan in the next Hollywood movie will feature. "De Wet will be our story line." His interest was tickled after viewing DeWet starring as Tarzan in his own short movie on YouTube. Von Eisenhart-Rothe confirmed that his company would be filming the young Tarzan whilst making his second Tarzan movie in George. "We would follow him to California, hopefully coming face-to-face with Bruwer or a casting agent, and film the audition. Everything now depends on him obtaining a visa." More>>>

King of the jungle quest continues for beefy Dewet du Toit
cxpress.co.za ~ May 30, 2012
The Garden Route’s own Tarzan is looking for his Jane, 
and planning a sequel to his ‘king of the jungle’ 
YouTube video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fhM7IO7P1k) 
that caused a worldwide media sensation  DEWET du Toit, 24, said since posting his first YouTube video in March last year as part of an audition for Hollywood’s new Tarzan movie, he had been interviewed by media across the world, including the BBC and television stations in Germany and New Zealand. The video has attracted almost 300,000 hits. “I didn’t expect the publicity, but it’s been very good,” Du Toit said. Also, Johannesburg film director Dominik von Eisenhart-Rothe of Katjusha Films has approached Du Toit with the aim of filming a documentary on his quest to be the next king of the jungle.

“Katjusha Films is making a documentary about me and my plans. They are filming me over the next two months and will go with me to America to meet the Tarzan movie producers,” he said. The documentary will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Tarzan story and will include Du Toit’s attendance at the Tarzan Foundation’s centenary celebrations in California.

Du Toit said his second YouTube video would involve a more romantic storyline, featuring Jane. “The script is finished but I’m still looking for the perfect Jane. My plan is to convince Hollywood that I should be the next Tarzan way before the casting queue, which is why I’m doing a much better Tarzan film this time, with more dialogue, a storyline, Jane, and more muscle.”

Du Toit said the new film would be technically better because they were using better cameras. He said he had also taken to heart some of the criticisms of his first video and was “working on those aspects”. The second YouTube film will again be shot on the Garden Route. While the first film showed Du Toit in a loincloth running through the forest, climbing a waterfall, riding an elephant and grappling with a gorilla, the aspiring actor said the second version would be more realistic.

After sending his first YouTube skit to Beau Szumilas, the Hollywood agent who is screening wannabe Tarzans, Du Toit said he was invited to attend a six-month acting course to prepare him for auditions. “I will still have to do that while I’m in California,” he said.“I'm definitely not going to stop until I’ve reached my goal, which is to be the next Tarzan.” Garden Route Media

NCM members at the home of Rachael and David, rehearsing the musical portions of the upcoming Tarzan Centennial Events.
Thomas Yeates ~ John Pappas ~ Rachael Wenban ~ Paula Pappas ~ David Lemmo

Famed artist Yeates, and musician John Pappas are the real talents behind the three musical interludes that are part of the two days of Events in the  West Meeting Room (Sept 1, ERB’s birthday, and Sept 2). 
John Pappas is a musician, singer and producer of Greek folk music featuring the klarino, bouzouki and violin. 
There will be a Greek Tarzan song which John will perform with Thomas.

Aristocrat's Tarzan(R) Lord of the Jungle(TM) Slot Jackpot 
Hits for $306,234.19 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
live-pr.com ~ May 16, 2012 LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwire) -- 05/16/12 -- Aristocrat's Tarzan® Lord of the Jungle™ video slot game is one of the most frequently hitting slot games in North America, and now the game's top progressive jackpot has hit again, this time at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., for $306,234.19. 

Juan from Rosemead, Calif., was just in town for the day visiting Fantasy Springs Resort Casino when he sat down to play Tarzan Lord of the Jungle and hit the jackpot a short time later, to his "complete surprise!" He says he has no idea yet what he will do with all that money. This is the 12th time the top progressive jackpot has been hit on Tarzan Lord of the Jungle since the game was released last year. In fact, the jackpot was hit just last month, and the game has paid out more than $3.6 million in top jackpot awards since its release.

With performance like this, it's no wonder Tarzan Lord of the Jungle was voted best video slot and one of the best progressive slots in the "2011 Best of Southern California Gaming Reader's Choice Awards." Additionally, the independent Roth-Fantini Q4 2011 Slot Survey ranked the game as one of the top performing lease titles in the marketplace.

Tarzan Lord of the Jungle was certified as Aristocrat's best performing slot game in 2011, and now there are more than 1,500 units installed in casinos across North America. 

TARZAN® and TARZAN YELL® are registered trademarks of EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS, INC. and Used by Permission. Lord of the Jungle™ owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and Used by Permission. © 2012 Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., All Rights Reserved.

LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - May 17, 2012) -  Aristocrat's Tarzan™ Lord of the Jungle™ video slot game has been a player favorite across the United States since it swung onto the scene last year. Now, the game has been approved in Ontario Province.

The independent Roth-Fantini Q4 2011 Slot Survey ranked Tarzan Lord of the Jungle as one of the top performing lease titles in the marketplace, and the game was voted best video slot and one of the best progressive slots in the "2011 Best of Southern California Gaming Reader's Choice Awards."

Since Tarzan Lord of the Jungle first appeared on casino floors, its top progressive jackpot has hit 12 times paying out more than $3.6 million in top jackpot awards. To date, more than 1,500 units have been placed across the United States, and it has been certified as Aristocrat's best performing slot game in 2011.

Tarzan Lord of the Jungle is a fast-paced penny video slot. The big screen style action stretches top to bottom on Aristocrat's incredible VERVE hd™ monitor, named one of the "Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Products" by Casino Journal magazine. The action extends right to players' fingertips thanks to Aristocrat's amazing Nteractiv™ LCD Programmable button technology.

LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - May 17, 2012) -  Aristocrat's Tarzan™ Lord of the Jungle™ video slot game has been a player favorite across the United States since it swung onto the scene last year. Now, the game has been approved in Ontario, Canada.

Tuacahn expansion Tuacahn Center for the Performing Arts is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Southern Utah. And the facility - which bills its musicals as "Broadway in the Desert" - has found a sweet spot with audiences in the past few years by providing Disney productions such as "Tarzan," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Little Mermaid" along with another non-Disney productions.

Then, there are the concerts and other productions, such as the Halloween dance performance "Thriller." All told, Tuacahn estimates it turned away about 20,000 customers last year because there weren't enough seats. That's why Wednesday's announcement of a $2.6 million fund-raising effort to expand the amphitheater seating and add amenities is so exciting.

More on Tuacahn in ERBzine at  www.erbzine.com/utah