Mattel I Love Lucy Doll 2007

Mattel showcased their single I Love Lucy Doll for 2007 at the Toy Fair this past weekend and it's going to be Lucy from the episode, The Audition.

This episode was inspired by the Pilot Episode of I Love Lucy that featured Pepito the Clown.

There will be another double-set released as well in the I Love Lucy series. I have inside word from an affiliate that it will be Lucy and Ethel from the "Friendship" episode where both Lucy and Ethel purchase the same dress for their Wednesday Afternoon Fine Arts League Talent Show. I will post pictures as soon as I receive them.

Lucille Ball's Brother, Fred Has Died

Fred Ball, the brother of Lucille Ball has passed away Monday, February 5th at the age of 91. He died in his home at Cottonwood, Arizona where he and his wife, Zo operated a motel.

Fred Ball was born July 17, 1915 in Jamestown, New York. The younger brother of Lucille Ball moved from Jamestown to California after Lucy went there to start her Movie career in 1933-34. He worked as a band manager with Desi Arnaz and his band as well as with Desilu Productions, the studio that Desi and Lucy purchased in 1951.

Fred Ball is survived by his 4 children, Pamela Ball Von Pinnon, Melissa LeBritton, April Jackson, and Geoffrey Ball as well as 7 grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as Lucille Ball's children, Desi Arnaz, Jr. and Lucie Arnaz.

From her home in New York City, Lucie Arnaz said, "It was always special to us that Uncle Fred and I shared the same birthday. In addition to being my mother’s brother, he was also a close friend of my father. I like to think that they are all enjoying a wonderful reunion right now."

His ashes will be interred in Jamestown's Lake View Cemetery along with his sister, Lucille Ball and his parents, Henry and Desiree (Hunt) Ball, and his grandparents and other family members.

Carol Burnett Impressed with Lucy-Desi Museum

In todays Jamestown's Post-Journal, Carol Burnett remembers Lucille Ball and thrilled with the Legacy.

As you know, Lucille Ball was my good friend.

To her, I was "The Kid," and she was a tremendous teacher and mentor. Her passing left a hole in my heart that can never be filled.

I am thrilled to know of the work you are doing to preserve Lucy and Desi’s legacy. And you are correct in recognizing that it is a legacy of more than props and costumes and personal belongings: it is truly a legacy of love and laughter.

Should the stars ever properly align, I would welcome the opportunity to visit Jamestown and celebrate her legacy with you.

One hundred years from now people around the world will still be laughing at Lucy’s antics. And I hope that for those folks who want to learn more about that wonderful clown, her hometown will still be honoring the one and only Lucy.

Lucille Ball to be honored at TV Land Awards

This year's TV Land Awards will go to Lucille Ball and I Love Lucy. The show, set to air April 25th, will be hosted by Kelly Ripa. Kelly is currently cohost with Regis Philbin on the Regis and Kelly daytime talk show.

The TV Land Awards will feature Carol Burnett as well as Lucille Ball's children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. who will accept the award in their mother's honor.

Lucy-Desi Center to Host Seminar in Nevada

Jamestown, NY – Following successful seminars in both Los Angeles and Jamestown, New York -- the hometown of The Queen of Comedy -- the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center is coming to Boulder City, Nevada, for its third "Legacy of Laughter (LOL)", an interactive celebration and exploration of "The Legacy of Laughter."

On Saturday, March 3, actress, singer, dancer, business executive, director, Broadway star, and Emmy Award-winning producer Lucie Arnaz will moderate a panel of noted individuals who use humor in their personal and professional lives. To date, panelists for the seminar include:

Desi Arnaz, Jr.: vice-president of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, musician and actor, who, with his wife Amy, currently operates the Boulder City Ballet Company and the Historic Boulder Theatre

Sean Astin: actor (The Goonies, Rudy, Memphis Belle, Lord of the Rings), Academy Award nominated director (Kangaroo Court), and member of the Directors Guild of America, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

Jim Dunnigan: drug and alcohol intervention counselor

In announcing the event, Desi Arnaz, Jr., noted, “As the children of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and as president and vice president of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in our mother's hometown of Jamestown, New York, my sister Lucie and I searched for some time for a way to explore, extend and celebrate the global impact that our parents created through their television show, ‘I Love Lucy’. We believe that these Legacy of Laughter seminars provide such a vehicle, and I’m pleased that our next one is in Boulder City.”

Past panelists have included child star Jane Withers, Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry, and award-winning television writer Sam Denoff (The Steve Allen Show, The Andy Williams Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, That Girl). The third “LOL” will be held in the Historic Boulder Theatre at 1225 Arizona Street. A reception will follow the 7 p.m. event. As audience participation is important, there is limited seating.

All seats are $20. For tickets, call the Historic Boulder Theatre at 702-293-1161. For more information, visit www.lucy-desi.com.