With the changing of the seasons, many blog sites previously listed on my blog roll have been closed. I'm pleased to welcome some new sites that I feel you will find interesting and fun!
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On the music scene, The Raspberries returned to the limelight in a huge way after 30 years with a double CD/DVD entitled "Live On The Sunset Strip". I recommend it! They were a favorite of former Beatle John Lennon and I loved them as a young kid growing up. The Raspberries are: Jim Bonfanti, Wally Bryson, Eric Carmen and Dave Smalley. They are a legendary power-pop band with soaring harmonies and awesome guitar riffs. They are a "must-see" in concert!
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Connie Douglas was inspired to create the series “Finding your Shnnoogle” after witnessing a friend's child fighting a life-threatening illness and seeing the love and kindness that was shared between him, his family and many others. She is the creator of a line of greeting cards, "Serendipity’s by Connie", and the popular comic strip "Zooter", featured in newspapers and magazines in Alberta, Canada where Connie expanded her repertoire as a fine art painter with the creation of Native American spiritual works. Shnnoogle's focus is "making the world a better place one act of kindness at a time".
Trevor Greeting his new sister Morgan after she arrived!
Note from Michael: I have accepted the fact that it is difficult for many parents--even single people alike--to read a story about an innocent child who is coping with a diagnosis of cancer. I may receive hundred of "hits" for such a posting and only a handful of comments. That's fine. This is not a negative reflection of the human condition, but rather a realistic one. We all hurt when a sweet child has to face a condition that is so unfair. For me, in the larger scheme of things, I take some comfort knowing that this post will find its way to the worldwide web crawler for anyone seeking information on Trevor Tredaway during a Google search. This is the least I can do. Trevor and his family and grandparents are my dear friends. If you are new to my website, let me briefly catch you up.
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For almost a year, I've been writing about a little boy named Trevor Tredaway. He is just 4 years old and last summer he was in Scottsdale to receive alternative medical treatment. Of course many of you have not met him as I have. But if you did, your hearts would be filled with Joy. This amazing little child has been battling brain cancer. Two weeks ago today, three of us here in Phoenix have re-started efforts to organize components of a benefit concert to address Trevor's medical bills, to show out Love and Support to this young family, and to increase awareness of pediatric brain cancer to all. I understand that this is a "heavy topic" for many of you and it may feel hard to absorb and perhaps uncomfortable to leave a comment. That's fine. But for once in my crazy career, I am not in a broadcasting studio and I am not competing for Neilsen or Arbitron ratings. I am trying to get the word out about Trevor's journey to full health. Trevor represents to me what is right about the world we live in. He has made miraculous progress. However, I also want to lend a voice on my Blogsite to his parents Todd and Melinda, who are dear friends of mine. Below is Melinda's most recent update on Trevors medical condition.
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On the benefit concert front: We are continuing to meet here in Phoenix to locate a major musical artist willing to waive their performance fee, a venue and a calender date for the show. Please keep each of us in your thoughts and prayers. Look at the photos above. If they reach your heart, then drop the family a note on the Caringbridge website. Todd and Melinda really do read each and every note and you will be providing Love, Hope and Supportiveness to them at:
Melinda Tredaway: "Good Morning to everyone! I actually slept last night, except for a short duration when Trevor woke up to use the restroom and get some Tylenol for his headache. After 2 hours of sleep the night before, I feel pretty rested. It is sometimes hard to do when your mind just will not shut off!I thought we were getting Trevor's pain under more control. He is now up to 5 pain pills per day. Everything was great yesterday until last night around 10:00. He got to the point of screaming again because his butt was hurting. He is still having headaches every day. It is difficult to explain to a 4 year old that crying will make his headache worse. He tells me he can't stop crying and that his head hurts by itself. It is overwhelming to know that the cancer in his spine and head is what is causing all of this pain. Don't get me wrong, he has more hours during the day that are pain free, but when he starts hurting, it is very heartbreaking. Trevor had his 12th chemo treatment yesterday. His counts have remained steady throughout. They fluctuate from week to week, but his ANC has not dropped below 1,000. We still meet with a doctor from Cooks once per month. Yesterday, Dr. Heym was the doctor in town. In my last update, I mentioned that St. Jude said that Trevor would eventually need radiation. I spoke with Dr. Heym about this yesterday, and he feels that if Trevor's next MRI still shows growth, his best chance would be to go ahead with radiation. He explained that if Trevor continues to be non-responsive to chemo, the cancer could at some point invade his bones or go somewhere else in his body. At that point, it would be much more difficult to treat. Now his doctors at St. Jude felt he is responding since there was no additional leptomeningeal spread. But, if the "nodule" that did grow, continues to grow, something will have to be changed. What it will be, I don't know. I'm not ready for him to have radiation, but I also don't want to risk more growth. So, please please pray that the spot that grew has stopped growing.
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We have approximately 6 more treatments before his next MRI. Doctors don't think that chemo will shrink the leptomeningeal spread, but it would be wonderful if it would shrink enough to stop his pain. We did have a fantastic weekend at the lake. Trevor and Morgan had so much fun playing in the sand and riding in the boat. They even rode on the tube, at a very slow speed. Gigi and papaw were there along with Cody, Kelli, Dylan and Averi and some new friends. Trevor has a new little friend named Braxton, who is also 4. He replaces his "v" with an "s", so him and "Treasure" had a great time. I want to send out a "thank you" to the people at Send Love Today and some from C.O.L.E.'s Foundation for the cards and gifts that y'all send Trevor and Morgan. They really love it when they get something in the mail. Thanks!We just keep chugging along, day to day and week to week. Trevor and Morgan are true joys who do the funniest things. I have to tell this story.
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Trevor has sucked his thumb since his paci was taken away right before he was diagnosed. He does not like for anything to get on his thumb that might taste bad. He was at the sink washing his hands the other day, and I saw him put his thumb in his mouth to taste it to see if there was still soap on it. I guess it tasted okay because he was done washing his hands! Something that Morgan does....at the lake this past weekend, she found a flashlight. She turned it on with the light pointing at her face and started singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. But, she would only sing IF the light was turned on. So cute!"
Can it really be almost 16 months since I relocated to Phoenix, Arizona? That thought struck me after dinner last night. I've met some wonderful people here in my new city, and the most frequent question I'm asked every week is: "You need to go back 'on the air'. Why don't you?" That question used to bother me. Today, I am flattered by it. I was very lucky to have started my career in a Top 5 national broadcasting market where I remained for 14 years. When you are in the industry, familiar stories of the really big hitters like RegisPhilbin and David Letterman are discussed regularly. This is probably due to the fact that each of these men (and others) traversed through unique and unpredictable paths we all admire. RegisPhilbin began his talk show career at KGTV in San Diego with a budget similar to my radio music magazine where I served as a writer and producer. David Letterman started his career on WXLW AM and became an anchor and weatherman on WLWI (renamed WTHR today) in Indianapolis. His strongest influence was the late Cincinnati TV talk show host Paul Dixon. Within industry, we all knew "through the grapevine" who was working on producing a new program concept and subsequently who was under consideration to host a promising new television or radio vehicle. A similar phenomenon is occuring today with the interesting shift we are about to witness with Jay Leno relinquishing "The Tonight Show" to rival Conan O'brien. This dynamic of knowing the market place is true of any industry where everyone has an inside track to the comings and goings of others in their respective fields. Still, a few thoughts would be helpful to answer "the most frequent question".
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Like all businesses, the broadcasting industry is constantly evolving. The most dramatic change that I've witnessed arrived in 1996 when the Telecommunications Act was signed into law by President Clinton. I was in Los Angeles attending the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention when it became obvious to me that the best I would be able to do in my newly-minted position in broadcast management was to help shore up our failing station for an eventual sale. We had a few good assets, however, too many mistakes went uncorrected for decades before our new team was installed to salvage the "remains of the day". We were simply too weak to be competitive with gloves-off competition on the horizon from the more fleet-footed competitors who adapted to the dictates of the economy and grew to be profitable with a hands-up over our beleagured operation that remained stuck in the 1960's. Media companies with substantial war chests of cash and credit lines were positioned to become titans who were about to be granted unrestricted access to acquire television and radio stations, outdoor billboard advertising companies and newspapers rapidly in each of the markets they served. With this development, competition was of course concentrated among a handful of players. The independent regional station owners reaped millions in buyouts and went on a permanent vacation. Market share was pursued with a vengeance. However, the decline in "originating local broadcasting" outside of the news industry had begun eleven years earlier in 1985.
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To cite an example, actor George Clooney's father hosted "The Nick Clooney Show", an hour long weekday variety show that aired at 12 Noon in downtown Cincinnati. George would sit in the rafters and watch an audience of one hundred and fifty people file into the Central Avenue CBS affiliate studios (since demolished) before air time. After the show, backdrops linked to cables were hoisted to the ceiling by stage professionals to transform what looked like a set for "The Tonight Show" into a single lane bowling alley for the program "Bowling for Dollars". When Westinghouse Broadcasting (Group W Productions) began shuttering the syndicated "PM Magazine" across the country, "Entertainment Tonight" arrived on the scene with a soft focus on celebrity stories. "A Current Affair", and "Inside Edition" offered a harder-hitting focus on news and entertainment. Fast-forward to today's "commodity-driven" economy. "Reality TV" signaled a change in audiences tastes (many would argue this shift as a lack of taste). The swing from syndicated programs to national network staples in New York and Los Angeles markets expanded their focus away from daytime "soaps" ("General Hospital", 'The Young & The Restless") in favor of night time fare. Morning and afternoon programming such as "The View" and "Oprah" blazed new paths along with Hispanic television (firmly established in Miami) as the "New Millennium" began. Cable Television matured from Ted Turners CNN "Superstation" concept of a 24-hour real time news operation in Atlanta to roughly a dozen independent cable television networks including Maryland-based Discovery Communications. Each produces a blinding slate of programming. CNN and Time-Warner entered into a powerful merger and into this maelstrom, regional "known entities"--to coin an industry phrase--like myself found ourselves curiously displaced in a long period of assessment. Hosts of cable television designer programs such as Knoxville-based HGTV typically don't possess a background in broadcast journalism, just as grizzled political reporters in Washington don't possess a degree in interior design. That's a short explanation of the current environment many of us have to navigate. In terms of common sense, the question for local television must be asked along these lines. What would a mutually beneficial transaction for a local cable or network affiliate station look like in a "Morning Show" format that is personality-driven, topical, fun and engaging? I'll summarize an answer in a moment.
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In my case, I was bitten by the Journalism bug in grade school while my brother was serving in Vietnam. I wrote an essay about him during a surprise 10-minute assignment that resembled a "pop quiz" and earned my first taste of recognition with a Blue Ribbon award for creative writing. My Website Homepage summarizes the rest and my future is truly "a work in progress". While I have enjoyed broadcast news, the kind of opportunity I welcome requires tremendous good fortune coupled with a producer with uncommon intestinal fortitude.
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Summary: A friend of mine actually wound up as a guest on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" after being selected among 28,000 contestants as "Garage Sale Mother of the Year". She is so hysterically funny that when we became friends, we laughed each other under the table exchanging tales of funny pranks and humorous takes on life. I finally lamented that we would pair up for a local television "Morning Show". "It's too bad there isn't any real originating television in the form of a morning show, because we would really play off one another as co-hosts. There would never be a dull day", I said. "Think about it", she replied. "What are we inundated with every day? Bad news. People are sick of it! They want to laugh. They want a relief valve. Life is hard enough without ratcheting up the tension we face everyday with dark themes". That, my friends, is where we left it and the task of pitching a local station to risk a new "Morning Show" with a mix of news and fresh comedic sensibilities that are unique is formidable. Until I discover a catalyst and a conduit for resolving this stumbling block, I suspect that I'll be facing "the most frequent question" from well-meaning champions of my work for some time. The good news is that I'm open to the possibilities.
Every March for the past four years, I have featured "The Annual Steve McQueen Film Festival" on this Blogsite. I wanted to make you aware of a unique fund raising event to benefit The Boys Republic in Chino Hills, California where Steve spent a crucial part of his youth. Steve passed away in 1980 at just 50 years of age. However, he remembered The Boys Republic in his Will. During his lifetime, he visited the school frequently, and these visits were not "photo ops". In this day and age of people sitting in restaurants and bars texting from their Blackberries and cell phones as if their lives depended on it, I have to laugh. No one was busier than Steve McQueen, and yet he "made time" to visit with the boys at the school and offer advice from his own life experience. That is the measure of the true person Steve was! He chose to "be the difference that makes a difference". Here is a link for more information about the California benefit that will also display the poster (above) in a full screen format:
Post It Note: The joys and the challenges of blogging and "changing things up" remain vital to me. Keeping it real and relevant have had me thinking for the past several days about a subject that I'll take on here this week. It regards the number one question people ask me at least five times a week. I'll get to it. Meanwhile...
This Memorial Day, we remember those brave Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives for our freedom here at home. May we never forget.
" The Glow" is held the night before a hot air balloon flight.
This has been an incredible two weeks! What drove the idea for a series of "Reality Check" BLOG Posts in the first place was my increasing awareness about how many people in our society have taken to rushing, rushing, rushing through life at the speed of sound. I watched this for months before asking this question: "Are they rushing towards a destination, or away from something in their past?" One thing became clear to me: None of it was healthy because by design, this frantic rush kept others at bay and never allowed anyone to get close enough emotionally to those who created this chaos. In an attempt to avoid this scenario altogether, I went back to my days as a Psychology major in college and remembered the late Dr. Viktor Frankl's pioneering work on "the meaning of life" and what it is that matters to us! With this in mind, I've shared a variety of images and memories. Some of them were quite simple, some were matters of the heart and still others were just plain funny! From hair color issues to the last car John DeLorean owned, this has been one wild ride! That's how we got here. This morning, I've decided to "take us out" with my story about surviving a very hard landing in a hot air balloon while I was broadcasting "live" one morning on an FM radio station.
A Balloon Closely Resembling Ours
A Texas Balloon Festival contacted the radio station where I was working. They were seeking a broadcasting personality to serve as Master of Ceremonies for their event. At the time, I was transitioning into a management position as Director of Marketing and Promotions. I was still "On the Air", but after my air shift ended I spent hours with the outgoing Public Relations Director who was retiring. As his replacement I was tasked with merging two departments--Marketing and Public Relations into my new title. Since I was going "Off the Air" soon, the station felt that I was ideal for the Emcee role. I'm sure it didn't hurt that I had been writing for a commercial aviation magazine and knew quite a bit about flight. So, at 6 AM one weekday morning, I reported to a Holiday Inn near the Festival site for a mandatory FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) safety briefing. Afterwards, I was paired with a retired Delta Air Lines Captain. An avid hot air balloonist, this would be his first flight since losing one daughter to cancer a year earlier. He was a great guy and we regaled each other with stories of airline CEO's I had interviewed.
When we reached the site, our colorful balloon was one of fifty tethered to the ground from the traditional "Glow" the night before. We entered the gondola and I started putting on my portable headphones and microphone to hear the station. I also had a cell phone open to the Morning "Drive Time" personality who was "On the Air". This time slot attracts radio's largest audience of the day with listeners commuting to work tuned in to the station with their car radios. In a hot air balloon, you can only ascend or descend; there is of course no steering. Our craft was huge. As part of the competition for points, we descended low enough to toss a white bean bag from our craft to land as close as possible to a number of white colored "X" symbols placed on the ground. We earned points for how close our bean bags landed to the targets. We wound up earning 3rd Place. Meanwhile, the station would cut to us at 600 feet, 800 feet and I'd report on where our geographical location was at any given time. Below I could see listeners pulled over in their cars on the highway birm standing outside waving frantically to us. We waved back and eventually began the descent for our landing. A highway passed beneath us and a farm lay ahead with a church and a parking lot to pass over first (please, no jokes about Passover). Within moments, we knew we were in serious trouble. As we were about 30 feet above the ground, a gust of wind took hold of our balloon and we began plunging to earth. My pilot yelled for me to bend my knees and to hold on tight! Through my headphones I could hear our radio personality tossing the broadcast over to me. He had no idea what was about to happen. "It's now twenty past the hour and time to check in on Michael Manning who is actually aloft at the Balloon Festival. Michael, tell us what's happening"...At that moment we struck the ground and our gondola was suddenly pulled up wildly another 15 feet. Our balloon was now dangerously out of control. Both my pilot and I survived the bounce, but now the gondola tilted sideways and all I could see was the ground rushing up at us. We impacted with my pilot taking the brunt of the crash standing behind the propane tanks. Instantly, I feared he was crushed. He was working quickly to turn off the fuel flow. During the impact, my body was ejected up and forward from the gondola. My tennis shoes became caught on the valve stems atop the propane tanks as I was thrown to the ground on my back. If only my feet had not been tangled on the tanks! The fuel flow was now turned to the "Off" position (Thank God, because this prevented my feet and legs from sustaining serious burns. Since I was slammed against the ground, the air was knocked out of my lungs and I can remember seeing the massive material from our balloon cascading over us toward a church building. The tendency to panic when one can't breathe in air is very common and I was seized with this horrible feeling. With the balloon canopy now deflated, the North wind gust caused our craft to be dragged along the ground for 35 feet and my body was trapped hanging half way out of the gondola. I could hear the announcer at the radio staton in my headphones trying to call me repeatedly.
The entire craft finally slid to a stop. I was scraped up along my back and arms, desperately trying to breathe! Finally, I took a few frantic breaths and started to reach for the propane tanks to extricate my pilot. Ground rescue crews started to appear around us and I remember them looking horrified and sick with shock as they shouted to us: "Are you alright!" My pilot was pinned behind the tanks. He was pulled from the gondola while someone quickly freed my feet as I managed to tumble free and eventually stand up. It's a miracle that I sustained no broken bones. Though dazed for few moments, my pilot yelled "Roll the material!" We joined the others and helped. Twenty minutes after the mishap, a group of rowdy people poured Champagne into plastic glasses and surrounded us to sing two Irish songs...one was about victory and defiance, the other was a Toast to our good health! It may have been only 9 AM but we drank to both wishes! I was lucky to be alive and eventually drove back to the studios to tell our story "On the Air". The skies that day were a clear blue. A fitting story to end our series (for now) with an undeniable Reality!
Good Morning! Yesterday's post was quite a challenge. The video gave out around mid-morning. We looked into it after Captain Jean-Luc Picard "across the pond" in England was kind enough to send me a note that a message appeared on his computer informing him that the video would not play in England. Hmmm? I felt certain Shelby Lynne would play a gig in England, so this puzzled me. I withdrew the Blog and re-posted it. That reminds me: How many of you have ever heard a television voice over guy say "One moment please" when a video frame was apparently frozen on the television screen? Of course, they didn't want you to change the channel. By the way, can Jane Skinner ever look bad? Beautiful and with a sense of humor. I watch her while I workout in the morning (even if ESPN is the only big screen TV with the volume up at my workout facility). FOX is the only network I haven't worked with. But I digress. Jane is a nice reality.
Jennifer Bjorklund, KNBC 4 TV News, Los Angeles
To answer a question by Seraphine yesterday, no it's not all about blonds. Jenniifer Bjorklund of KNBC 4 in Los Angeles, California is clearly a brunette and was always a favorite of mine to tune in and watch for morning news during coffee and breakfast whenever I was in Los Angeles. Some people can smile and set the tone of your entire day. Jennifer is a lovely lady who does that. Moving right along....
The Cast of Captain Kangaroo!
Oh, I can hear it now! "What is Manning doing next?" I'm actually glad someone asked because this is a hysterical photo for me of the children's television show "Captain Kangaroo". When I featured Comedian Andy Martello on my Blog feature "THE INTERVIEW", I remember him asking me a loaded question. I responded with "Why do I suddenly feel like ping pong balls are about to fall from the ceiling with Bunny Rabbit at the controls?"...or something to that affect. Tricia of "Wood Not Wood" fame told me she read my comment in Atlanta that morning on my Blog and busted out laughing. Here's the explanation: The Cast of this show was Captain Kangaroo, Mister Green Jeans (never mind that most television sets in America were still Black & White), "Dancing Bear" (as a kid I thought whoever had this job never had to change out of their modified pajamas and they got paid for it!), Mr. Moose...who I have to say was always cool, Grandfather Clock (not pictured here, sorry about that) and Bunny Rabbit who appeared to wear Buddy Holly glasses. I forgot my point...oh yeah. Hysterical. Moving on...
There is really no way for me to gauge how many of you actually go out and sing Karaoke. I confess (No, I'm not Catholic): I visited a very small bar on a Sunday night (my hand to God) and decided for the first time since 1997 to sign up to sing. I fully intended to talk through "IF" by Bread...Let's see a show of hands. How many of you recall my YouTube of Telly Savales performing "IF"? I was on the list, but then people actually started showing up! A girl tried to sing a song popularized by Reba McIntire and was so out of key! I started to have second thoughts and changed my selection to "L.A. Woman" by Jim Morrison and The Doors. I graded myself with a "C+" for being away for Karaoke that long. I may go back. An uncertain reality! Uncertain, but not unhealthy. Anyway...
The Tango: Al Pacino with Gabrielle Anwar
Seraphine: Look! Another Brunette who captivated me. Yeah, it's from a movie I love too. "Scent of A Woman". Al Pacino plays a blind former Army Lieutenant Colonel who is a cultured and bitter man who evolves through the film and makes us care deeply about the human condition. He intends on using his savings for a limo trip to New York City where he manages to smoke the finest cigars, eat at the finest restaurants, sample Jack Daniels with a plan to eventually commit suicide. He finds a reason NOT to kill himself and chooses to live. I'd like to think this dance scene (that took 3 days to film) was one good reason for him to remain among the living. This movie (and Gabrielle Anwar) was a tour de force. See it! To me it makes a social statement about how we treat one another. It's a choice...Reality!
Boy, can I segue or what? The "Slinky" toy! During visits at my Grandmother's home in Royal Oak, Michigan as a kid, I always seemed to have a Slinky packed in my kid's suitcase. My Grandmother's basement stairs were perfect to see how far I could get the device to "walk". Ideally it should have gone like this...
...but of course, it pooped out about half way down the stairs and either stopped or fell to the bottom. Yes, an ironic twist for some of us in the day to day of Life, eh? Still, it was the thought that counted. Reality! Okay, let's get sentimental for just a moment...
Yes, I bought this book for $16.95 at a Safeway grocery store. Well written and a great gift. Actually it was a bit of a stocking stuffer around the holidays. No story there. But here's one...
The last car owned by John DeLorean
Once in a Blue Moon, I'masked if there was anyone I wished that I could have interviewed. You better believe it! And the late auto maker John DeLorean was one such person. I'm told that he owned a Yellow 2002 Acura NSX (good choice). I read about a young fan who located John and asked for an interview. DeLorean agreed and met the journalist at the door of his house...I believe in New Jersey. An amazing visit! It doesn't get more real than this, people. John DeLorean! Okay, we'll move on...
When Jim Morrison wasn't using drugs or alcohol, he was amazing. I saw some very good performances on DVD and some that I wish had never been released. But when he was "On" he was great. The Doors! I just thought I'd toss this one in...
Camelback Inn by Marriott
Let's get a little crazy here.In 1994 I attended a convention at The Camelback Inn in Phoenix, Arizona. I had a suite. Neither Jane Skinner nor Jennifer Bjorklund were known to me at the time. An unfortunate reality. Still...
My room was nice...
Seraphine: Believe me. The Concierge just happened to be a blond. What can I say? She smiled at me like this (see photo above); I smiled back. What? A sweet reality!
Now that I live here, I must say that just about every day year-round looks like this. Put on the Shelby Lynne CD (from yesterday's post) for background music at breakfast and make some Michael Manning Coffee. It's going to be a good day today! I know we're winding down this series quickly. But you know what? We can always come back to it later in the year. I'll be right here. I hope you will be too!
Some of you may very well ask, "Why post this video again?" I'm glad you asked. I looked up a concert review by William Michael Smith from May 18, 2008. Shelby Lynne was playing a gig at Warehouse Live--an intimate venue (and according to the review, she didn't use Pro Tools). She had an incredible band. The review described her covers of select Dusty Springfield songs as the embodiment of "smoldering subtlety and lots of pregnant space". Anyone could ask "What would be your ideal arrangement of this song?" The imagery and pacing of the film leaves no room for doubt that the words "tender", "vulnerable" and "evocative" just doesn't get any more real than this. It's quite an amazing reality.
This is our final week for the series "A Reality Check"...at least until I burn out or you fall over...one or the other. One person who always lifts my spirits is 4 year-old Trevor Tredaway! As many of you know, three of us here in Phoenix have only just begun spearheading a concert fundraiser for Trevor's medical bills. On November 10, 2008 Trevor underwent a successful surgery in Memphis where 95 percent of his cancerous brain tumor, an infiltrating astrocytoma was removed. He has two additional tumors on his spinal cord and is currently receiving chemotherapy. His Mother Melinda reports that the Chemo is working! I know this little boy. I've held him in my arms and I must tell you, he is a gift of God to anyone who has the ability to love completely. Trevors' parents are my dear friends Todd and Melinda and he has an absolutely adorable 2 year-old sister named Morgan (see photo above). Insurance companies in this country do not cover enough of a child's medical expenses. Nationwide, families of children facing cancer as Trevor is, resort to help from loving people like you involving grass roots fund raisers. These fund raisers come along in the form of Lemonade stands, Garage Sales, T-Shirt Sales and Barbecue outings. Around last November, I e-mailed my Pastor of 22 years and told him that I had an idea for a benefit concert placed on my heart. He answered me immediately and encouraged me to go ahead with it. With the passing of each 24 hours we cannot and must not ever take life or one another for granted. We are off to a good start on the benefit, but we will need some good fortune to obtain a musical artist with a huge stature for the event who is willing to waive their performance fee. The remaining components are coming together as I write this Blog. If you can help Trevor with a donation, click on his website on my Blogroll called "Trevor Tredaway's Medical Progress". I made a promise to this little boy. With God's help and some terrific friends who share my passion to reach out to help the family, we will grow our team by leaps and bounds and be successful in making a difference. The T-shirts worn by Trevor and Morgan in the photo above came from my friends at Pan Am AWARE in Miami, Florida. Trevor is an example of Courage, Hope and Love and that is my definition of A Reality Check. Do visit his Caingbridge site and keep updated with his progress. And while you're at it, offer your thoughts and prayers to the family on their Blog. They read each message and so appreciate your love! It means so much!!
Ruby Tuesdays Bar & Grille
A Girl Related to My Story
I cannot begin to tell you how many people in this world shut down their emotions and erect a wall around their heart after suffering personal losses and the emotional pain that follows. The Finland couple I mentioned in two previous Blogs make me smile as a healthy alternative to this social ill. If you missed it, I paid a Bartender to hand deliver a note to the boyfriend of a stunning mid 20's blond woman visiting through a student exchange program after I observed how much they were in love at a Ruby Tuesdays restaurant. In my note, I basically told the guy that if the woman sitting across the table from him was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside, he'd be a damn fool not to propose. I arranged to slip out of the bar area just as the Bartender handed my note to the boyfriend. Two weeks later, they were engaged and the girl laminated my note and carries it in her purse to this day. That is one of my proudest Realities! It is a story for those who cheat themselves and others by collecting and carrying emotional baggage from the past. The lesson here is to find a healthy way to deal with those jagged emotions with counseling and emerge a new person willing to embrace the gift of Loving again. That's Reality!
Dustin Hoffman was 30 years old when Mike Nichols directed him in the groundbreaking film, "The Graduate". Katherine Ross is every guys dream girl who nearly gets away after a confusing tryst with Mrs. Robinson, Elaine's mother (who was played by then 35 year-old Anne Bancroft). The film is recognized worldwide for lending a special emotional reach with a coming-of-age story and an unforgettable soundtrack by Simon & Garfunkle. A story of separation and individuation, this film is A Reality Check for each of us!
The rescue scene from the film.
My First Magazine Interview: Marty Shugrue (1940-1999)
May 5, 1994: My very first magazine interview and one of the most incredible days of my life. Imagine what it would be like to interview your mentor. Well, I had that opportunity when I boarded a former Eastern Airlines Lockheed L-1011 and flew to Miami, Florida where I spent several hours with Marty Shugrue, then-Trustee for the estate of Eastern Airlines. Here we are pictured above in the lobby of Building 9 (Eastern's Worldwide Headquarters) on the outskirts of Miami International Airport after an all morning and afternoon session. The airline was into its third year of liquidation after its unfortunate December 18, 1991 shutdown. The tapes of my visit with Marty were inducted into The Smithsonian Permanent Oral Lecture Series in The Division of Commercial Flight in Washington, D.C. and I am overwhelmed with Gratitude for this Honor. An absolutely exciting man who made so many friends who championed his energy, his humor and his astounding ability to bring solutions to business problems that baffled others for years on end, Marty was a born leader with Class and Charisma. Here's a funny story worth re-telling: When he starred in a series of television commercials to lure business flyers back on Eastern Airlines, David Letterman included Marty on his "Top 10 List" (October 10, 1990) and looked into the camera afterwards and said "I love you, Marty". Never one to miss a joke, Marty wrote David Letterman a note that read: "I love you too Dave!" As a top Pan Am executive, Marty donated millions of air miles to Special Olympics. He led by example and he is missed by many. He made a tremendous difference in his short life and is well remembered.
The Cast of TV's "Hillstreet Blues"
To Stephen Bochco: I am forever grateful to you for introducing we men to the beautiful Veronica Hamel who played public defender Joyce Davenport in what is arguably the best television police drama ever created: "Hillstreet Blues". The musical theme by Mike Post and the individual personalities portrayed by a superb cast made an unforgettable emotional impact on viewers. So great was the impact that the entire cast was featured in a Playboy magazine interview. No police drama that has followed since has equalled this level of excellence and I doubt it ever will. Memorable characters, excellent writers and stories that made you feel with your heart and not just your head. This was really what made this show special. A personal Reality for me!
Tom Jones is "still in the game" of Life..better believe it! He started out at age 17. He's on the road roughly 300 days a year and his son manages him. The man is a Legend, a Survivor. I saw him perform this song in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand.
Jones first exploded onto the music scene in 1965 with his No. 1 hit “It’s Not Unusual.” From there he went on to release a string of hits before starring in his variety show, “This is Tom Jones” in 1969. The show ran for three years and featured the top musical artists of the time. Throughout his career Jones has released new chart-topping albums while also managing to re-invent his music. He won the MTV Breakthrough Video Award in 1988 with his re-make of the Prince song “Kiss.” The song not only put Jones on top again, but gained him a whole new demographic of fans. Jones' talent and contributions as an artist and performer have been recognized with various awards. One of the most notable occurred in 2006 when he was knighted by the Queen of England. Over four-decades of hits..too long to name here. Among them: "Delilah", "Daughter of Darkness", and Randy Newman's "You Can Leave Your Hat On". In the 1970's, Elvis Presley would slip into a show with his bodyguards in tow and sit in the rafters to watch Tom's show when he had a night off. They remained good friends for life. No, it's not 1969 anymore. But Tom Jones is still a reminder that sticking with it when you've still got it is timeless. Ill say it: He still kicks major ass in his performances. A table full of guys in their 20's and 30's from Wales were seated next to me. They told me they had grown up hearing their parents play his music and knew what an icon he was. "He's one of our countrymen, and we just had to see him here," said one of the guys. They went nuts after this song. When I listen to the screams in this audience, it reminds me of the night I saw Tom. Same thing. I had a BLAST! Therefore...This is our Monday Reality! Crank it up!
For Tom Jones' 2009 Worldwide Concert Dates Go To:
This morning, I am considering a simpler Themed Week ahead that may not garner traffic, but then again, this website isn't about commercial considerations. Seraphine is an incredible writer and a regular reader here (as I enjoy her site too) who actually went to itunes after reading my recent installment of "A Reality Check" and auditioned some nice recordings by Shelby Lynn. This was an endearing gesture and I'll make some final decisions between now and Monday about what direction to pursue. It was nice to have around 3,000 people on this past week's journey. Of course, I can always come back to this focus later. Whatever I do, I will endeavor to keep it fun and interesting for each of you. Until then, have a very nice weekend.
A few years back, I was in Los Angeles for 33 days on a grueling business trip. 13 hour days. But I found time to take in a concert by Lucinda Williams at The El Ray Theater. What grabbed my attention, however, was surprise guest Shelby Lynne who walked out on stage. Whatever else was going through my mind up to that point vanished and all I could focus on was this girl with the Southern accent and plenty of sass. She's very interesting to me in how she works--inside the recording studio or live in concert. After considerable persuasion to cover carefully chosen songs by the late Dusty Springfield, Shelby released the CD "Just A Little Lovin' " and it is amazing. Unique musical challenges like this are rare and involve risk. All of my Shelby Lynn CD's differ from Texas swing to spartan acoustic guitar arrangements and torch. She's a great composer and an incomparable singer who is at once a stylist and an enigma. I enjoy Shelby Lynn. Reality.
Golden Labs
Having owned dogs and cats, my favorite happens to be dogs--Labrador Retrievers. They love people and provide tremendous love and loyalty. Of course, you better have a large back yard for them to get plenty of exercise too! As you'll note on the right margin of my BLOG, I support Canine Companions for Independence and ASPCA. Both organizations have had representatives appear as Guests on my feature, "THE INTERVIEW". Speaking of which...
Annemarie Lucas of TLC's Animal Precinct
I took a risk in inviting the lovely Annemarie Lucas of The Learning Channel's "Animal Precinct" to appear as a guest on "THE INTERVIEW". What a sweet lady! Even though her schedule was so demanding, Annemarie stayed committed to appearing on my BLOG feature. It took her a full year to get to my questions, but she came through and I am forever grateful. Her devotion to end animal abuse is her special calling and her work is incredible. Annemarie is the real deal!
Joseph Pentagelo of TLC's Animal Precinct
When Annemarie felt as if she was holding me up (she wasn't), she enlisted the help of her work partner Joseph Pentagelo to assist with finishing up my interview with her. She would share her answers with Joe and he relayed them to me with some of his own thoughts and experiences. This retired Mounted Unit police officer is also an actor who has appeared on television's "Law & Order". I thoroughly enjoyed working with both Annemarie and Joe. Two down to earth people doing very important work with a true love for animals. They are terrific people who keep it real!
And try as I did, there was just no way to avoid including "the bikini photo" of Kelly Ripa as summer approaches! This is reality too. And if you were paying attention to my earlier BLOG Posts...I still refuse to apologize for including her here! She's fun, funny and it's just nice to see a career develop so nicely over the years as hers--with all best wishes!
I DO miss a good drive in my Mustang GT
My last full time television stint was in Ohio. Those hours! Up at 3 AM with a pot of coffee and a yellow paper pad with 80 fixed camera positions to schedule traffic updates with weather meteorologist Mark Massaro every 4 minutes ad libbing on the air. My commute was 88 miles a day as a Helicopter Television News Anchor with NBC working split shifts. How well I remember 6 degree winter weather, checking in with my pilot at a small airport weather room for briefings, running out to the heli-pad at 5:55 AM in pitch black darkness, helping police nab two felons, and meeting two fine soldiers who landed a Black Hawk helicopter to refuel at our FBO. They had just returned from Iraq. My 1996 Ford Mustang GT V-8 was a thrill to drive on those lonely commutes. It helped me cope with living in such a crummy town. I sold the car to a teenager on the condition that he bring his parents over to my house for me to sit down and talk to them about whether their son was mature enough to handle the car safely (It was a beast). After two meetings, the young man convinced me he would keep it for a year then sell it to go off to college. He kept his word. But I still love Ford Mustangs GT's. A delightful reality. Speaking of speed...
Gea Johnson (brakeman) and Jean Racine (driver), 2002 Olympics
I absolutely love Bobsledding (as we call it in the U.S.) and have since I was a young kid. Arizona State University Graduate Gea Johnson was the pusher for the Women's Two place Bobsled Competition in the 2002 Olympics in Utah. Today she is a terrific Bobsled Driver and an inspiration to anyone who has a dream in life to pursue--quite an inspirational lady!
Coming out of a turn as a driver at Lake Placid, New York---the world's most challenging track! Friends of mine who know Gea confirm that she is as kind as she is inspiring. She recovered from a very serious hamstring injury, then decided her next goal was to become a great Bobsled driver. Gea made 35 trips from the top of the track in just 6 weeks--an accomplishment that takes most people 2 years! An awesome reality that inspires each of us to "go for it" and be our best!...Let's see how I feel about continuing this series or shifting directions...straight ahead!
FarrahFawcett: When we think about her it's hard not to smile and feel good about someone who makes us care. How I admire this Courageous, Beautiful and Classy Lady. It's only fitting that I begin this BLOG Post by Honoring her with my Respect, along with my thoughts and prayers for her wellness.
Last Christmas, I ordered a DVD of this magical movie as a gift for someone. Long story-short: The DVD sat for months on a living room chair, before I eventually stored it in my closet. By February, It remained gift wrapped and sadly, I never even had a chance to present it. In the end, I wound up keeping it for myself (we've all been there). This DVD is the "Directors Cut". It is a "coming of age" film about a little boy and a wonderful friendship he develops with a movie house projectionist growing up during World War II in Italy. It's also about Love. Once you see it, your heart will be changed forever. This is reality.
See this film. Make the time. It will be well spent!
Two nights ago, I was driving along a boulevard thinking about how my love of cars is met today only by homogeneous and unexciting car design styles. Suddenly, a V-12 Ford GT-40 roared by and like a kid I said (to "no one there, not even the chair" as Neil Diamond would sing), "Wow!" I instantly remembered the late Ed Bradley of CBS' "60 Minutes". Why?, you ask wistfully. Because Ed loved this car. In fact, he loved driving a race car he owned around the track and even on streets where he could "open it up". Like this car itself, Ed Bradley had a passion for life and he is missed. Ed Bradley was the real deal!
Oh, I can hear it now. "Another blond". Not so fast! I bought this hard cover book certain I would hate it and boy, was I wrong. Jewel Kilcher is a damn good poet. I may have "dried up" as a poet years ago. But this year, I have two books that will see the light of day with an independent publisher. One of them is my own collection of poems. This book inspires me and I've read it several times with great pleasure. Simpler pleasures are a great reality!
No words are necessary, however I would like to Toast Carolyn and Seraphine for encouraging me to continue this series! Two beautiful women as friends is a very cool reality! Cheers!!!
What does ice skater Peggy Fleming have in common with Michael Manning? I'll tell you. When Peggy's son was too young to travel with her to Sofia, Bulgaria when she was Co-hosting ABC's "Wide World of Sports", her Co-Host Jim McKay actually interviewed his shoe on television. So, there you have it. Peggy was there and so was I! Actually, I lived there for a month with my parents when I was still fairly fluent in the language (underline "fairly"--today I'd be laughed out of a restaurant there trying to order a meal). Maybe not. People there speak Bulgarian, Russian, French, Italian and yes...English. A laid back city with a rich cultural history I still remember, and it's very real!
Here's a story about Class and Humility. I e-mailed Deborah Norville to get her take on our industry. She e-mailed me back! Down-to earth and gorgeous, this book is written by a lady who has her priorities in order. Very real!
The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers started out as a favorite of biker gangs. Michael McDonald added an interesting dimension during his years with the band. Then he left and founder Tom Johnson came back. I last saw these guys at an outdoor concert with 5,000 other people and let there be no doubt. They get better with time and they DO Rock! A musical reality!
Leo Busgalia means a lot to me years after he passed away. His life as a college educator was incredible. He created a non-credit class called "Love 101". His passion when he lectured led someone to contact a local Public Broadcasting producer to show up to his class at The University of Southern California one day, and the rest is history. Leo's specials on PBS had an amazing and positive impact on people's lives. He was at his peak the year I began my career at a PBS Television station. When he learned that he was in bad health, it's my understanding that he wrote this:
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“If I had my life to live over again, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I wouldn’t try to be so perfect. I would relax more. I’d limber up. I’d be sillier than I’ve been on this trip. In fact, I know very few things that I would take so seriously. I’d be crazier. I’d be less hygienic. I’d take more chances, I’d take more trips, I’d climb more mountains, I’d swim more rivers, I’d watch more sunsets, I’d go more places I’ve never been to. I’d eat more ice cream and fewer beans. I’d have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones. You see, I was one of those people who lived prophylactically and sensibly and sanely hour after hour and day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had it to do all over again, I’d have more of those moments. In fact, I’d try to have nothing but beautiful moments — moment by moment by moment. I’ve been one of those people who never went anywhere without a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had it to do all over again, I’d travel lighter next time. If I had it to do all over again, I’d start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I’d ride more merry-go-rounds, I’d watch more sunrises, and I’d play with more children, if I had my life to live over again. But you see, I don’t.”
LeoBusgaglia's books and videos are still available. Catching the experience of feeling alive again. What better gift could this man leave behind than the reality check of Joy? It's never too late, my friends. Never...
Welcome to Part 3 in an unexpected series that has caught some traction. We have been looking at photos that keep us grounded in Hope and Reality. The Raspberries reunion a couple years back was fun. The band kicked off their reunion with a short tour. When I was a kid, I'd lay on the floor with the stereo speakers between my head to capture the "true concert experience" from their albums. I recall the song, "I Reach for the Light" well and had the joy of seeing Eric Carmen live as a soloist in concert at Kings Island Amusement Park long ago. They are pictured above in concert--not to be missed! I cannot wait for this band to visit my city! Many of you are seeing this photo and probably wondering who they are. The late John Lennon was a super fan of Eric Carmen, Jim Bonfanti, Wally Bryson and Dave Smalley. Here's what Bruce Springsteen said about the band in March, 2007: "In the late 70's I'd drive on Sunday nights to Asbury Park to sit in with Southside Johnny with "The Raspberries Greatest Hits" firmly stuck in the cassette player of my C-10 pickup. Dismissed at the time of their chart dominance for having 'hits' (Fools!), they are THE underrated power pop masters. Their best records are as fun and fresh today as when they were released. Soaring choruses, Beach Boy harmonies over crunchy Who guitars, lyrics simultaneously innocent, lascivious, and all about sex, sex, sex continue to make for an unbeatable combination. "Go All The Way", "I Wanna Be With You", "Let's Pretend", "Tonight", all still deliver on their three minutes of promised ecstasy, while "Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)" still raises the hair on your arms and should go down as one of the great mini-opera masterpieces of all time".
Nancy Wilson loves Gibson Les Paul guitars; I love Nancy Wilson from the
band "Heart"!
Duane "Dog" Chapman and I could hang for a few days. I admire this guy. He spent twenty-three years on the wrong side of the law. He was wrongly convicted for a murder he never committed, the charges were dropped and he went from ex-con to American icon. A born-again Christian, he is featured on A&E's television series "Dog: The Bounty Hunter" with wife Beth and his kids. He is credited with bringing serial killer Andrew Luster to Justice and making the streets safer from hoodlums. Yes, he is unconventional. But where wayward people are concerned, after they are taken into custody, Duane gives them "the talk" if he sees that they have a desire to "straighten up and fly right". Furthermore, he stays in touch with them. He's the real deal and he not only "talks the talk, he walk's the walk". (Try watching the show and then you decide). That's some reality, my brother!
An Arizona sunset: there's nothing quite like it. Especially with The Raspberries' songs blaring over the Jeep radio. Reality!
Jennifer O'Neil is unforgettable in this film. Watch it once and you'll understand what it is to long for someone. It's THAT real! Sylvester Stallone delivers on a film that proclaims: "It ain't over, til it's over". I like that. I also liked the story Sly brought us in theaters last year, reprising the American "can do" spirit even when we seem surrounded by those who " just cant". Amen!
Like so many of you whose parents came to this country with little more than the clothes on their back, my late Father told me about the emotional feelings he experienced as a teenager when he first came to America from Eastern Europe and saw the magnificent Statue of Liberty from a steamer ship. It's so emotional for me that I can't talk about it. But for the first time since I was a kid myself, the Statue's Crown will be opened to the public! I had my Mother, Father, Aunt and Uncle's names engraved on The Immigrant Wall of Honor in New York. My two brothers and I chipped in and had it done. It means a lot to my Aunt and my Mother. They are true survivors. One day, I hope my children will see it. An overwhelming Reality!
Actress, Writer, Producer, Director on Brooklyn Cable Television's BCAT station (part of Manhattan Neighborhood Network) and founder of The EVVY Cultural Exchange and The Annual EVVY Award for Fashion and Culture in New York, my friend of many years is Florette Vassall. She was my Guest on my BLOG Page feature, "THE INTERVIEW". Let me tell you what friendship and love-in-action is. Flo is an in-demand commercial actress. She had just flown into JFK Airport in New York from Germany when she learned I was in Washington, D.C. for Pan American World Airways' 30th Anniversary of Al Topping's "Last Flight Out" (see my Monday BLOG Post). Immediately, she boarded a plane to meet up with me--and with very little sleep. I couldn't imagine anyone doing this for me! A true friend, and an amazing lady who keeps it real! More ahead...
In the spirit of being honest, I've never seen this television program. But I've read the Playboy magazine interview with psychiatrist Dr. Drew Pinsky M.D. and I happen to agree with everything he said. By the way, if you've just tuned in, this is Part 2 of a short series of photos I've run with a simple message (see previous BLOG Post). I haven't decided yet if I'll continue it. But of course, if I do (to belabor the obvious) there will be a Part 3. The Focus: At a time when people and behaviors in life render it sometimes nuts, I felt it would be "therapeutic" to run some photos of life's "Reality Checks" back here on Earth. Lets' resume...
Hard to imagine life without The Beatles. After all these years, their music still holds up and sounds great. Many good memories here. Reality.
Biographies have been my favorite books for as long as I can remember. They provide a nice escape from the "rat race" and allow us to reconnect with another place in time.
Jeeps: Always a source of fun to drive on the street or the trails. Every garage should have one. Maybe Chrysler/Fiat will ship me a copy just for mentioning this? Reality.
Arabian horses are beautiful. They are a very nice "Reality Check".
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was founded by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman. It is a camp for children with cancer and serious illnesses. The name of the camp is a nod to Paul's role in the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". The camp reinforces (in my mind) what's right about the world.
This is how 200 Park Avenue should look today: The former Pan Am Building is an architects dream and I loved walking through it and revisiting the 46th Floor. I doubt that you can do that today. I was very persuasive with the new occupants (Disclaimer: Do not try this). Some good news: The lobby display is an area that is open to the public with a special sculpture not to be missed entitled "Flight". The sculpture honors "The World's Most Experienced Airline".PAN AMwasClass that will never be equalled.
KellyRipa is...oops! I already mentioned her yesterday. Old habits die hard. Still, I refuse to apologize. I held off on the bikini photo, so there. As William Shatner states in those endless TV commercials: "Now we're negotiating"!
A great moment in time for me: August 7, 2001. I became the first U.S. journalist to interview former NASA Astronaut Colonel Frank Borman in the 16 years after he left the helm as chief of Eastern Airlines. Last year, Colonel Borman returned to Tucson, Arizona to deliver a commencement address to The University of Arizona at Tucson. A 1946 Tucson High School graduate, Frank Borman oversaw many firsts for NASA. Gemini 7, Borman's first mission, marked the longest space flight achieved by NASA in its early history and also became the first space rendezvous of two manned, maneuverable spacecraft. As commander of Apollo 8, Borman manned the first spacecraft to leave the Earth's gravitational field and circle the moon. This mission gave the world its first close-up look at the lunar surface and of the back side of the moon and confirmed new technology that ensured the safety of future manned missions to land on the moon. Colonel Frank Borman is a class act and a living example of Honesty, Integrity, Courage and Patriotism at a time when we sorely need it. This makes sense to me.
Betty Nguyen is the Weekend Anchor at CNN. She and I worked in the same broadcasting market in Texas. We caught up with each other briefly in 2005 at a Pan Am World Airlines Reunion in Washington on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the "Last Flight Out" of Vietnam. She also heads up the non profit organization Help for the Hungry, which is featured on my Blogroll. Betty is a great lady and one of the best news anchors in the country.
Three years ago, I almost moved to Las Vegas. While I was there looking around, I caught singer Tom Jones at the MGM Grand. Say what you will, his version of Hoobastank's "The Reason" brought the audience to a long standing ovation. He was incredible. The man still has the pipes! Reality.
Honestly, CBS is a former employer of mine and I loved every minute that I worked there. Even so, if I had the luxury of picking anyone to interview me, it would be Lesley Stahl of "60 Minutes". This makes sense to me. I haven't said this in a long time, but "The eyes have it"! ...Should we continue the series?
One of the advantages that I enjoy writing for an international airline magazine is that I have friends at many of the airlines I've covered over the years, and they can be quite resourceful (with the exception of the following). I was on board an aircraft similar to the photo posted above last weekend. Seated to my left was a very cute lady in her mid-30's--married. Across the aisle sat her husband. We were all chatting it up when I learned they were on a mission to buy a dog for $10,000. Of course my mind raced back to what $10,000 could buy. My first thought was: The Scottsdale Police Mounted Unit just had $10,000 cut from their budget at a time when they desperately needed those funds to replace three horses that were retired. But I kept my mouth shut and let this girl talk. She ran on about her salary at a software company (allegedly in the six figures, even though salaries have never impressed me) and why it was imperative that they buy an AKC dog with papers. I began thinking: "How long can I keep smiling at this person?" and "Ever heard of the ASPCA?" And so it went. I heard about her Cadillac Escalante' SUV and her BMW convertible, their in ground swimming pool and looking back, I'm almost certain I started gazing past her out the window at that point to collect this thought: "I need a reality check...and a big Polo mallet!" With this in mind, I've assembled some photos below about things in this world that are sane and healthy. Let's have a "Reality Check"!
Among some of my proudest moments in life: The article and interview I conducted with my dear friend Al Topping, former Station Manager and Vice President of Corporate Communications with Pan Am. Al was portrayed by actor James Earl Jones in the 1990 NBC made for TV movie "Last Flight Out". In 1975, Al saved 426 lives after engineering a daring evacuation of company personnel and our South Vietnamese friends out of Vietnam as the country was falling to communist forces. Al is a true American Hero and I still field about a dozen e-mails a year from people all over the world about the film and Al. This makes sense to me!
Jon Bon Jovi is my age, stays in shape and continues to front one of the greatest rock bands while leading a stable life with his wife and kids. Their CD "Lost Highway" is a favorite of mine and features singer LeAnn Rimes (who lived two blocks from my apartment in Dallas). Their MTV "Unplugged" appearance is awesome. They make sense to me.
Once a week, I'm asked if I'm related to Peyton Manning...no relation.
Larry King with Father Michael Manning
December, 2007: I had some contact with "Larry King Live" about a possible appearance as a panel member on the show to discuss children battling cancer. When Christmas rolled around I was still unpacking my apartment in Arizona when I received an errant Holiday card addressed to "Father Michael Manning", the Catholic priest who is Larry's frequent guest! I mailed them a broadcasting head shot attached to a letter informing them about the mistaken identity. I thought it was hysterical and I'm sure the guys I know at CNN did too. They are first-class and I'm sure they enjoyed the BLOG I posted afterwards comparing our photos. Laughter is good stuff!
Approximately 36,000 bloggers voted with their heart over the past four years and nominated my annual feature "The Annual Steve McQueen Film Festival" for a Blogger Award. The award eventually went to someone more deserving but hey, It was nice to be nominated! This feature is truly a labor of love for me. This past March 22nd-31st was our best "Festival" ever! Author Marshall Terrill and Screenwriter Jeb Rosebrook sat down with me for separate interviews (catch them on my feature "THE INTERVIEW"). These were magical moments that are unforgettable. I was a very lucky guy, that's all.
The film "Dirty Dancing": Patrick Swayze & Jennifer Grey
Two weeks ago I commented to a friend of mine that I wondered if TV political commentator George Stephanopolous is kicking himself for not marrying Jennifer Grey. My friend gave me her answer this way after a long pause: "How do you know Jennifer Grey wanted to marry him?" Touche!
Allow me to speak to millions of men with this next question: "How many of us have wondered what it would be like to be Mark Consuelos for a day?" Please, no suffering. I'm just asking you to consider the question. It's hard not to smile about Kelly Ripa.
Finally, Rick Springfield: At 59, he's turning out his best work. He is one of the most sought after composers and guitarists whose scorching rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "Red House" and 2004 CD "shock/denial/anger/acceptance" are two defining examples of what Rock & Roll should sound like with the volume cranked up. In 2006, I was quoted in a news article that Rick "is the epitome to me what a Rock & Roll concert is supposed to sound like". An RS concert makes sense.These are some examples of a "Reality Check" even when our society seems like a train about to jump the tracks with far less meaning than in years past. Still more ahead...
I enjoyed my visits to everyone on my Blogroll. Some sites have been removed, others were reminiscent of someone who was interrupted during lunch, with a last post occurring several months ago. I noticed my name on these Blogrolls, smiled and left a note stating that I had dropped by. This monthly ritual is a version of "Welcome Wagon" via Blogging, I suupose. A few sites became "Restricted", which by definition is neither warm nor inclusive, so I removed them. There were a few people who left behind notes essentially stating that they needed time away to reflect on their lives and recharge their spirit. I empathize with them completely and even left words of Supportiveness, hoping for their return soon--each one a fantastic personality. As I drove to a grocery near my home, I was thinking how time itself has become an enemy to lifestyles that have become hurried--not frantic and "out of control"--(which is a scary place to see people emotionally)-- but legitimately stressed. In fact, I took note of sincere regret that a couple of people took the time to mention, and I appreciated their honesty. They took the time to explain why they needed a break and I rather appreciated the gesture!
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Last night's weigh in before working out saw another 2 pound drop in my weight to 168 pounds. I am now 48 pounds lighter than I was when I moved to Arizona 15 months ago! My target weight is 155, which is what I weighed throughout most of my life. My workouts take place in a Sports Rehabilitation facility where many of us were led by a surgeons prescription. Once the skilled care is completed, we have the option of continuing in a "Wellness Program" that is as structured or unstructured as you wish. I am very big on goals, so every month I review alternating days of routines with two Physical Therapists I truly respect. My biking has increased to 40 minutes and will eventually climb to 45 minutes a day. The friendships I've made here are with incredible people who are rebounding from sports related surgeries, while others are investing in their future by choosing to live longer, stronger lives and this of course is the route I decided to take and remain with forever. Nothing is more rewarding than to see friends making tremendous progress and to encourage them; this is a "Two-Way Street" and I have always felt it to be genuine. So, that's it for now. An unusual BLOG...but then I feel that most of my posts are unusual, so there you have it.
Good Morning. I've received several e-mails overnight thanking me for the update on David M. Bailey in the Blog Post preceding this one. Many of you asked me for an update on 4 year-old Trevor Tredaway and since some of you are new to my Website, I'll give you a briefing. Trevor has been featured on my Blog site several times since he was diagnosed with a grade 2 infiltrating astroctyoma in his right temporal lobe in January 2008 (this is a cancerous brain tumor). He received alternative medical treatments here in Scottsdale, Arizona last June and July.
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On November 10, 2008 physicians at St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis removed 90-95% of the main tumor to stop Trevor's seizure activity. That day was a miracle. Trevor's last seizure was on November 10, 2008, about 1 hour before surgery. The surgeons also found two other tumors in Trevor's brain but decided not to remove them because of the damage that could be caused. In March, 2009 Trevor had another follow-up MRI at St. Jude. Everything in his spine was exactly the same and the tumors in his brain were the same size. However, there were new areas of the leptomeningeal spread covering his brain that had not been there before. This spread was along the surface of his brain and brainstem. At any time, the lepto spread could penetrate his brainstem or brain and cause further complications. For this reason, Trevor's disease is considered to be progressing. Trevor re-started chemo this past March for 52 weeks. He will return to St. Jude for an MRI on May 13th (one week from today). The hope is that everything has remained stable. Trevor's story is one that inspires me and countless others. Trevor had 12 MRI's in 2008. He suffers through more than most people can imagine, and he is only 4. There is a chance that the chemo therapies he has been on, and the current chemo, can cause organ damage, leukemia or other harmful side effects.
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Seven months ago, I made a decision to try and help Trevor with a fund raiser. My feeling is that for 8 weeks this little boy was a part of my community and compassion knows no State boundaries. An incredible lady who was a Special Events Manager with a well established cafe chain signed on to become my event partner. In January, we outlined a plan to reach out to key contacts in the Los Angeles and Phoenix music industry to acquire an artist for a dinner concert. By February, my event partner was placed on layoff and while this was a shocking development for us, I had to regroup. With this in mind, I am meeting this Saturday with a new ally and friend and we intend to resume a new direction for Trevor's fund raiser. Trevor's medical expenses since his diagnosis have been phenomenal.
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This is a sweet little boy who is so excited about everything: making new friends, sharing his toys and finding out all about you! Add to that a giggle that instantly makes any bad day I might be having better, and any good day I have great! He is so precious and I am blessed to be his friend. His sister Morgan is just 2 years old, and his Mom and Dad are wonderful parents and dear friends of mine. I know that many of you who care deeply about this little boy will keep our fund raising meeting in your thoughts and prayers. I will reiterate what I said late last year. We will do everything in our power to make this event a reality. It is Hopeful and Hope is something we need very much in our world. In the meantime, I wanted to mention that a special bank fund has been established to help with Trevor's medical bills. If you are able to contribute in ANY denomination, here it is:
Trevor Tredaway Fund
Citizens Federal Credit Union
P.O.Box 51070
Midland , TX 79710
Please know that I will keep each of you focused on our progress in the days and weeks ahead.
A fellow musician, and a great friend who is making a difference in Life:
David M. Bailey
Long time readers of this Blogsite are familiar with recording artist David M. Bailey. He appears on my BLOG feature "THE INTERVIEW" (which is worth a good look). His story involving brain cancer has been featured on CBS' "60 Minutes, "20/20" and "Dateline USA". In January, 2007 I finally met David after a concert in far Northwest Ohio. He had braved the odds to beat a brain tumor after being told that he could expect to survive 1-2 years. During our meeting he had been clean almost 12 years. Then last year, what appeared to be a cyst was biopsied as the beginning of another tumor. It is a Joy to report that David is officially clean of cancer! I'd like to share his e-mail below:
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Note from David: "Dear Friends: I wanted to share a couple things with you as you have been walking this journey with me for so long. 1.) First, my gig last night in Syracuse was magical. Why? After weeks of what felt like trial and error with too many errors, the concert last night flowed sweetly and felt like a huge turning point. The old songs held firm, the new songs blended. What has felt like so many upended scrabble pieces started making new words again; I didn't ramble or say anything goofy. The set list made a movie script that was kinetic, and the relationship with the audience was wonderful. I felt, maybe for the first time, that the the old David was back and maybe, just maybe, could be better than ever. It was a truly beautiful night. 2.) Today I flew here to Durham - tomorrow I am to get the nasty triple cocktail chemo that caused me so much trouble last time. But first, I had an MRI this evening. It's pretty weird going to a 2 month sked after so long of only doing them annually - but I got the results back moments ago. CLEAN!God is good!!Love the time. every moment".
"This picture is based on personal courage, and it has nothing to do with what courage represents in our society today and some of the things that I and John Wayne and Clint Eastwood have done. The personal courage of a man who is suddenly, I think, going to find himself right up front. Because the physical thing, I'm not sure it means anything anymore until we get into a flat ass revolution. But what does mean something is that if the meek is going to inherit the earth, then he's got to find a way to be able to negotiate, and I think somehow it's got to be between having a very, very strong punch and then be kind--if that makes any sense".
Steve McQueen, 1978
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After a long wait, Warner Brothers has recently released Henrik Ibsen's Classic film, "An Enemy of the People"starring Steve McQueen. This 1978 release is a radical departure from any of Steve's previous films. Using a 29 mm lens, Steve emphasized his desire to release the film in theaters seating no more than 400 people to create the best viewing environment. It is in fact, an intimate film with period lighting and an authenticity to the spirit of Ibsen's story. Steve stars as Dr. Thomas Stockman, an idealistic, small-town doctor who discovers that the local hot springs are polluted by runoff from the local tanning mill. The town leaders are more concerned with the cost of cleaning up the toxic waste, and the drop in tourism if the news got out.
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This is a story of one man taking a stand on principle and Co-stars Academy Award-nominee Charles Durning (TV's"Evening Shade," "Tootsie"), Bibi Andersson ("Persona," "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden") and Richard Dysart (TV's"L.A. Law," "War and Remembrance"). The film was adapted by Pulitzer Prize-winner Arthur Miller ("Death of a Salesman," "The Crucible"). I found this to be a wonderful development and have meant to Blog about it for several weeks. I can't wait to receive my copy!
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Note from Michael: I have visited roughly 45% of the sites on my Blog roll and will make steady progress on the remaining list of fellow writers. It is good to catch up with each of you! Many of you have taken an indefinite hiatus. Others have shuttered their sites and I have updated this development. To this end, I will be adding a few new writers after my visits are complete. Enjoy your week!
Gordon Lightfoot is my favorite songwriter. I had the pleasure of meeting him after a concert he performed at my Alma Mater and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. This 2004 video is short and optimistic--the perfect way to launch a new month.
With the advent May, LIFE beckons with many new opportunities. I made good on a promise to myself last Winter and visited Sedona, Arizona touring the mountain trails in a Jeep. Unlike Gordon, I currently have no "Inspiration Lady" in my life at the moment. However, I feel that this summer will be fun and exciting. Here's to the person who is the "Inspiration" in your life! May they be healthy, treat you well and be good for you! I'll be around to visit each of you. So, if you hear a knock at your door at 7 AM, start the coffee maker!
Michael
I am taking time to visit the 118 posts on my Blogroll as I do regularly. We all have busy schedules. However, I feel that I must "make the time" to visit those I care about. Looking forward to dropping by, if I haven't already! See you soon. :-)
Basically, I'm a Public Relations Consultant with a background in Broadcast News. I've worked as a Reporter and Anchor with PBS, ABC, CBS & NBC affiliates and in Cable Television. I'm active in Radio & Television Commercials, Guest Speaking engagements and I enjoy writing, music and sports.
The Raspberries Are Back!
