Tragic History: The Manson Murders

(Sharon Tate)

Saturday I took another tour by my favorite tour guide, Scott of Dearly Departed Tours.  What tour, you ask?  The Manson Murders tour.  Macabre?  Maybe, but I think it's important to remember history and the things that have influenced our culture.  The Manson murders have definitely had a big impact on us, especially here in Los Angeles.  Before I even begin, let me say that I have absolutely no fascination with Charles Manson or the Manson Family whatsoever.  I think what they did were some of the most horrific crimes to have ever happened.  Sometimes, I think others think it might be glorifying the murder or murderers to relive the events.  I disagree with this.  I think it's important we stay informed, so that we might avoid evil ourselves at all costs, and prevent it from happening again if possible.  That being said, here are a few photos of the tour, followed by a few videos I found interesting.  If you're interested in the tour, scroll down to the bottom of the post for information.

(LaBianca house--photo by Kori Donahue)

(Cielo Drive in Benedict Canyon heading toward the Tate house)

(House stands in the location where the Tate house once stood)

(Another view of the location where the Tate house once stood--to the left.  The house to the right was there at the time of the murders)

(Area where killers hosed off after killings)

Take a look at this video of Susan Atkins 7 years after the murders.  What are your thoughts?  Do you think she's sincere or just a great actress?

This is another clip from an interview with Diane Sawyer in 2002.  To me, she seems remorseful and I do feel a bit sorry for her (if that's even the right way to say it).  Susan Atkins has since died of cancer.

Such an extreme waste of life, all the way around.

Want more info on Sharon Tate and the Tate Family Legacy?  Here is their Facebook page.

All photos courtesy of Kori Donahue except that of Sharon Tate courtesy of Google, Videos courtesy of YouTube

Dearly Departed Tours Info Here

Hollywood Again

Entrance gates of Hollywood Forever

Cecil B. DeMille

Marion Davies' family crypt

Tyrone Power's marker (notice the kisses on the left side)

Peter Finch's crypt

Valentino's crypt

Monument dedicated to Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. and Jr.

The beautiful lake in the middle of Hollywood Forever

Judy and I in front of the Mausoleum where Rodolfo Valentino is laid to rest




I went on the fabulous Dearly Departed Tour again this weekend, and as usual, it was amazing! My Mom, Judy, and I headed out to Hollywood to do a little sightseeing. Our first stop? Hollywood Forever Cemetery (formally known as Hollywood Memorial Park).

The cemetery was absolutely gorgeous and so serene. I could not believe I was in a cemetery. There are so many famous people laid to rest here, that it would take pages to list them. There were a few people we wanted to see, including Marion Davies, Tyrone Power, Rodolfo Valentino, Johnny Ramone, etc.

Then we headed over to Farmer's Market to start the tour. Once again, the tour proved to be informative. If you haven't taken any of Scott Michaels tours, you must! Here are some pics of the cemetery and the tour. Hope you had a great weekend friends. I am a little behind this week on comments, so bear with me!

Dearly Departed Tour of Hollywood

Marilyn's handprints on the walk of fame

Home used in "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane"

The LaBianca house from the Manson murders

The Rainbow Room

Bugsy Siegel's House


Wow, it seems from the comments on Megan Fox, you all really don't like her. I guess I'm not the only one! My friend Judy and I took a fabulous tour of Hollywood over the summer and it was so great, that we decided to take it again next Saturday! Scott Michaels is the owner of Dearly Departed Tours, based in Hollywood, CA. He is so incredibly knowledgeable about his subject matter (Hollywood) that we couldn't believe how much we learned in just a short tour!

If you want to really get a great tour of Old Hollywood, check out his website, Dearly Departed Tours. You must take the tour and tell him I sent you!

I'm a little lonely today and am missing Jerry. I haven't heard much from him since he's been gone. Do you think he misses me? Arrrrggghhh, I'm not insecure, but I guess must really miss him.

Here are some pics of the last Dearly Departed tour we took.

Veronica Lake

I was looking through my favorite magazine In Style today and noticed that quite a few of the Hollywood starlets are wearing a new hair style. Their style is inspired by the actress Veronica Lake, which shows long, loose waves with a side swept bang. I wanted to know more about her, so I decided to do a post on her.

My friend Scott Michaels, who owns Dearly Departed Tours, in Hollywood has a wonderful write up on Veronica Lake. I will give you some of the info he provides.

Veronica was one of the most well known actresses of The Golden Age. She was a pin up model during WWII, and one of the most popular, beautiful actresses who drew large crowds to the box office. But, because of her drinking habit, many in Hollywood started refusing to work with her. "Three broken marriages, a domineering stage mother, a manic depressive personality, and a whole lot o' liquor pushed her right into oblivion."

She faded into obscurity, losing friends, family, and even thinking the FBI was following her at times. She started to lose interest in her personal appearance, and ended up dying alone from Hepatitis. How sad! So many of these starlets seem to have been so used and abused by Hollywood. They are so glamorous on the outside, but were so tormented inside. Here are some of my favorite pics of the once gorgeous Veronica Lake. Enjoy!