Delrhonda Hood: "Big Fifty" Detroit's Queenpin

Early Life on Detroit’s East Side

Delrhonda Denise Hood was born on October 28, 1965, the eldest of five children in a family struggling

with poverty and instability. Growing up, she developed a reputation for being tough, outspoken, and physically imposing — traits that would later help her navigate Detroit’s criminal underworld. By age 15, she was pregnant with her first child, forced into adulthood early and with few economic options. 

Her teenage years were marked by petty crime, shoplifting, and drug use. She cycled in and out of juvenile detention, never attending college and learning instead from the streets.

Rise as “Big Fifty” — Detroit’s Queenpin

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hood had carved out her own territory in Detroit’s drug economy. She became known as “Big Fifty,” a nickname referencing both her physical presence and her dominance in the game. She operated independently — rare for women in the drug trade — and built a multimillion‑dollar empire through narcotics, fraud, and other illicit ventures.

Charity baseball game

The charity baseball game held on September 15, 1952, at Gilmore Field Stadium in Los Angeles was a

significant event that brought together celebrities and athletes for a cause. Marilyn Monroe, known for her roles in the film industry, and Dale Robertson, a well-known television western actor, participated in this event. Monroe was in the midst of promoting her film "Niagara" at the time, while Robertson was recognized for his work in the 1950s and 60s television westerns. The game was organized as part of the "Out of this World Series baseball charity game," and it featured participants such as boxer Art Aragon and actors Mickey Rooney and Dale Robertson. The event not only provided entertainment but also raised funds for a good cause, showcasing the power of celebrity collaboration in charitable efforts.

Cosimo Fusco: Italian, American actor, producer, writer

Cosimo Fusco grew up in the ancient stonework and sun‑washed streets of Matera, a city whose dramatic

landscapes have inspired filmmakers for generations. Born on 23 September 1962, he was surrounded from childhood by a sense of history and spectacle—caves carved into cliffs, churches rising from rock, and a culture that valued storytelling. It was the kind of environment that quietly shapes an artist long before he knows he is one.

As a young man, Fusco left southern Italy to chase a wider world. He studied acting in Rome, Paris, and Los Angeles, absorbing different traditions and techniques with the curiosity of someone who understood that craft is built from many influences. Those years abroad gave him a cosmopolitan edge: he could move between languages, between cultures, between styles. It would become one of his greatest strengths.

Laurie Duff: Rugby player

Laurie Duff’s life began in Uddingston, Scotland, where he was born on 12 November 1912 . His

childhood was shaped by the rhythms of rural work and the physical demands of helping his father—an experience he later joked made him “his father’s sheepdog,” spending long days chasing sheep across the fields around Glasgow. That early, unstructured athleticism built the stamina and strength that would define his sporting career. 
Early Life & First Steps Into Sport

Duff attended Glasgow Academy, leaving formal schooling at fifteen to work with his family. But sport quickly became his true education. At 17, he joined Uddingston Rugby Club, where his natural fitness and competitive spirit stood out. He trained obsessively—boxing, ju‑jitsu, running—and soon progressed to Glasgow Academicals, one of Scotland’s respected amateur sides.

Norway Murders

In the spring of 1999, the Orderud family was already living under a cloud of fear. The previous summer,

explosives had been discovered under Anne Orderud Paust’s car, and a month later a gasoline‑soaked propane tank was found outside her apartment — both clear attempts on her life. No one was charged, but the incidents drew national attention and cast suspicion on those close to the family.

On the night of 22 May 1999, an assailant entered the Orderud kårbolig and shot Anne and her elderly parents multiple times with two different weapons. The brutality of the scene shocked investigators: Kristian and Marie were killed in their bedroom and hallway, while Anne was found on the kitchen floor, struck by several close‑range shots.

Tom Plunkett: Civil War Hero

I’ve come across a Civil War hero in the family tree. The husband of my 3rd cousin, four times removed,

Helen Lorimer was the civil war hero Thomas F. Plunkett. When war broke out Thomas was working as a boot maker and was engaged to be married to Helen.

Thomas enlisted with Company E, 21st Massachusetts infantry regiment during the Civil War. Tom had noticed after the battle of Chantilly that a friend had gone missing. He set aside his rifle and went to try and locate his friend when he came across a Confederate soldier. Tom was unarmed and managed to surprise the soldier from behind and take his rifle. He then marched his prisoner back to camp. Tom was made a Sergeant for this act.

Two weeks later at the battle of South Mountain Tom came across a wounded union officer leaning against a barn. The officer requested water which Tom provided and he made sure the officer was good before continuing to fight.

Fletcha Middleton: British Cricket player

Fletcha Scott Middleton (born 21 January 2002) is an English professional cricketer and one of

Hampshire’s most promising young batters. A right‑handed top‑order player and right‑arm off‑break bowler, Middleton has steadily risen through Hampshire’s ranks to become a regular feature in their First‑Class and List A sides.
Early Life and Development

Born in Winchester, Hampshire, Middleton grew up in a cricketing family—his father, Tony Middleton, played for Hampshire from 1984 to 1995 and later became the club’s batting coach. This strong cricketing environment shaped Fletcha’s early interest in the sport.

He joined Hampshire’s youth system at a young age, progressing rapidly from the Under‑14 side to the Under‑17s and the Academy by age 15. Middleton soon became one of the standout talents in age‑group cricket, earning recognition as the best batter in the ECB Lions Super 4s, a national Under‑17 competition.

Family Archeologist

Origins of an Explorer

Michael Alexander Arbuthnot was born on June 9, 1974, and grew up with a curiosity that pulled him

toward the edges of maps and the mysteries beneath the surface of things. His early academic path was unconventional for an archaeologist: a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a minor in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Philosophy sharpened his instinct for questioning assumptions; anthropology gave him the tools to seek answers in the material traces of human lives. By the time he entered Florida State University for his master’s degree, he had already begun to gravitate toward the world beneath the waves. He graduated magna cum laude, specializing in underwater archaeology—a field that would define much of his career.

Max Wall - British Comedian

Max Wall, the beloved British entertainer, was a man who brought laughter and joy to audiences around the world. With his iconic bowler hat, shabby suit, and distinctive comedic style, he enchanted generations with his unique blend of physical comedy and wit.

Born in 1908, Max Wall began his career as a dancer, performing in music halls and variety shows. His nimble footwork and exaggerated movements quickly caught the attention of audiences, earning him a reputation as a master of physical comedy.

As his popularity grew, Max Wall ventured into other forms of entertainment, including acting and clowning. His ability to transform himself into eccentric characters with exaggerated facial expressions and hilarious mannerisms made him a hit with audiences and critics alike.

Blairmore House

Blairmore House is at Glass, Huntly in Aberdeenshire and was used as the Aberdeenshire Headquarters between 17th January 1943 and 8th November 1943. The house was designed by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie and was built in 1884 as a residence for Alexander Geddes, businessman and great-great grandfather of former Prime Minister David Cameron. His father, Ian Donald Cameron, was born in the house in 1932, though the family sold it shortly after.

Burgie House

It is thought that circa 1800 the middle part of the current house was built as a “cubical block” using the

stone from the then ruined castle. In 1912 Alexander Thomson entirely recast the building, extending the wings and covering the whole structure with a new roof. The old porch was removed and re-erected near the castle where it still remains today as a folly. In 1934 the house was modernised and enlarged once more with its appearance remaining the same to this day.

Fontaine Francaise Castle

Fontaine-Française Castle in Côte-d'Or is an elegant 18th-century residence in the classical style. Built on

the site of an ancient medieval fortress, it features a grand double staircase at the front, between the terrace and the pond. The 7-hectare pond stretches out in front of the castle's façade and makes for a peaceful and charming setting.

The guided tour of the Louis XV-style main building will take you to the guard room, drawing rooms and ceremonial rooms, where you can admire magnificent antique tapestries and period furniture.

Searching for the Binney girls

Probably back in my early 20’s I recall asking my dad what he knew about our family history.

Unfortunately, he knew very little about the family prior to their arrival in Canada from England in 1912. He did know of a few family stories though. One such story was that we were related to a New York music publisher named Gray and that he had two daughters that were movie stars. My dad had gone down to New York in the 1950’s and was met by one of the family.

Bayons Manor

Bayons Manor located at Tealby, Lincolnshire, England was built in 1836 by the uncle of Alfred Lord

Tennyson, the Poet Laureate. Named after the Bishop of Bayeaux (William I's brother who originally owned the estate). It incorporated the original 17th century house. Bayons Manor includes a moat, over 60 rooms and a reduced size replica of Westminster Hall. It was opened to the public in 1934 and slipped into decline after the second world war when it was sold in 1944 and eventually dynamited in 1964.

Moulton Manor

The Monor House was rebuilt Abt 1570 with some alterations and there's an addition from 1938 for

Leonard Smithson. The Manor was owned by John Cuthbert Vaux my 6th cousin once removed. The home is currently still in the family and is available as a Bed & Breakfast with two retreats available for booking.

There is a tradition that James I spent a night in the house, either on his way south to assume the English throne, or on his way to the races at Gatherley in the same parish.

Family connection

This family connection is from my paternal Gordon side of the family through the Geddes, Mitchel and Ord family lines.

Tony Stark's Cabin

This place may look familiar, especially if you've seen the Avengers: Endgame (2019) movie. This cabin

is located in Campbellton, Georgia and was used for the Marvel movie as Tony Starks cabin. It was also used By Mark Russell In Godzilla: King Of The Monsters (2019). This is mostly listed here for fun, but it turns out there is a family connection. A relative, a 7th cousin is the property manager for this cabin which can be booked on Airbnb for $1000 a night.

Family connection
The connection is through my paternal Gordon family, the Geddes, Mitchel and Ord family lines.

Greg Swindell: Major League Baseball Pitcher

In the annals of Major League Baseball history, certain names resonate with the kind of reverence reserved for true masters of the game. Greg Swindell is undeniably one of those names. His career,

spanning over two decades, is a testament to his skill, resilience, and passion for the sport. From his early days as a standout college pitcher to his illustrious tenure in the majors, Swindell's journey is one marked by excellence and determination.

Early Years and Collegiate Success
Greg Swindell was born on January 2, 1965, in Fort Worth, Texas. His love for baseball was evident from a young age, and he quickly established himself as a standout player. After an impressive high school career, Swindell continued to hone his skills at the University of Texas at Austin, where he emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball history.

Jeris Ross Ford: American country singer

Jeris Ross Ford, also known as Jeris Hughes, was born in Wood River, Illinois in November 1951. She is an American country singer, known for her captivating performances and heartfelt songs. Throughout her career, she has been a part of several bands, including Maximus, Woof, and "The Bop Cats," where she performed under the name Jeris Ford.

Patty Gurdy: Crafting Musical Magic with the Hurdy-Gurdy

In the world of music, innovation often comes from unexpected places, and Patty Gurdy is a prime example of this. Hailing from Germany, Patty Gurdy has taken the traditional hurdy-gurdy—an instrument with roots dating back to medieval times—and transformed it into a vehicle for contemporary creativity and expression. With her mesmerizing melodies, infectious energy, and boundless imagination, she has captured the hearts of audiences around the world and established herself as a trailblazer in the realm of folk and fantasy music.

Born in Germany, Patty Gurdy's musical journey began at a young age. Drawn to the enchanting sounds of the hurdy-gurdy—an instrument that combines elements of a violin, guitar, and organ—she quickly fell in love with its unique timbre and expressive capabilities. Determined to master the instrument, she devoted countless hours to practice and experimentation, developing her own distinctive style in the process.
 
As Patty Gurdy's proficiency on the hurdy-gurdy grew, so too did her passion for music. Inspired by a diverse range of influences, including folk, Celtic, and metal music, she began composing her own original songs, blending traditional melodies with modern arrangements to create something truly unique and captivating.

Emma Dilemma: Musician

Early Life and First Steps into Performance

Emma Cameron grew up in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, where performing became part of her identity almost

as soon as she could walk. She began dancing at age five, training intensively until her late teens. By 15, she had shifted her focus to music, singing and playing guitar in local bands.

Her first notable project was Taking Back Thursday, an emo‑covers band that played weekly shows — often with her father accompanying her because she was underage. That early grind taught her stagecraft, confidence, and the thrill of connecting with an audience.