50 THINGS ABOUT MICHAEL MANNING!
1. I was Blessed with wonderful parents from Eastern Europe!-
2. I am proud to be an American!
3. As a kid, I repeatedly had myself paged over the public address system in department stores as "lost". My parents had to stop taking me to the shopping center.
4. Filled in for Dick Clark (yes, from "American Bandstand") in 2008 as Master of Ceremonies for The National Parkinson Foundation Annual "Gala of Hope" in memory of my Dad. The event was held at the St. Regis Resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida. What a privilege!
5. TV career began as a Host on Public Broadcasting Television (PBS).
-6. Former NBC TV Helicopter News Anchor (in a Bell Jet Ranger 206B).
-7. In "hard news", I've worked as both a Field Correspondent & News Anchor with ABC, CBS NBC & PBS affiliates. I was a Financial Reporter for Barron's Business & Financial Weekly and have covered the commercial aviation industry as a Contributing Editor since 1995 with Airways Magazine. It's fortunate that I enjoy writing!
8. Survived a crash-landing in a hot air balloon during a "Live" morning radio broadcast! My pilot and I later received a Champagne Irish Toast at 9:00 A.M.!
-9. Appearances in over 6,000+ TV and Radio commercials.
-10. Broadcast Journalist since 1990 and a Magazine Journalist since 1995.
-11. Author of: "No Artificial Flowers During the Mowing Season" (revision coming soon).
-12. I'm a trained Commercial Actor.
-13. Inductee: Marquis' "Who's Who In America?" (2005-2009 Editions).
-14. I know the value of hard work. My first job was at age 14.
-15. My late Cousin's gift to me: my Love of Horses.
-16. Graduate, B.A. in Psychology earned in 1999 from The University of Cincinnati.
-17. Senior Thesis subject was a "T-test" on the downsizing of Delta Air Lines. Good thing I finished it when I did. They are now the world's largest!
18. University Fieldwork Training: 2 years as a Suicide & Crisis Intervention Phone Counselor.
-19. Chaired a "turnaround team" in broadcasting to salvage a failing FM radio station. We saved it 7 months ahead of my own forecast!
20. A full-page interview in Billboard magazine followed.
-21. News Anchor for Bill Mack's Syndicated Radio Show (Bill wrote the hit song "Blue" for singer LeAnn Rimes). LeAnn lived just blocks from my Texas apartment.
-22. We have a choice in life: Live out of the realm of Love or Fear. I choose Love.
-23. My Motto: "The Golden Rule": Treat others the way you want to be treated.
-24. My mother says I ran before I walked! (raises an eyebrow, doesn't it? ).
25. My graphic art design for the "New" Eastern Airlines brand image and aircraft livery was one of two designs under consideration in 1994. You can see my airline paint scheme design concept published in author Tom Norwood's 2006 book: "Deregulation Knock-Outs: Volume II".
26. One of the greatest privileges I've had was being among 6 people who walked through Steve McQueen's home with his widow, Barbara McQueen, where the couple last lived in Santa Paula, California.
27. Created an original Concept-for-Pilot on Cable TV: "When Dreams Come True".
28. While my experience as both a News Anchor and Reporter was rewarding, I am equally comfortable Hosting Cable Television programs that are unscripted and include "human interest" stories from the field.
29. Active in Television & Radio Commercials, Voice-Overs & Industrial Film.
30. First U.S. journalist in 16 years chosen to interview former NASA Astronaut (Commander of Gemini 7 & Apollo 8) and ex-Eastern Airlines CEO Colonel Frank Borman.
31. On October 27, 2004, I presented my "Alternative Plan of Reorganization" (POR) to former Lehman Bros. chief and then-US Airways Group CEO Bruce Lakefield, in Crystal City, Virginia.
32. Recruited Actors Ed Asner & Gary Collins to the Advisory Board of the non-profit organization, "Families for the Rainforest", where I served from 1998-2005.
33. I ran track and cross country in school and have loved the sport of Bobsledding since I was a kid!
34. Physical fitness is very important to me; I love to work out.
35. Career Plan created at age 11 (subject to revision, of course).
36. Enjoyed many opportunities in media where I've met such greats as Elton John, Steven Spielberg and many others. All of it was luck.
37. ("Inside the Actors Studio" Question #1) Turn Ons: People, Music, Movies & Good Times!
38. ("Inside the Actor's 's Studio" Question #2) Turn Offs: People that don't listen.
39. In addition to my Website feature "The Interview", I've also interviewed some of the world's most fascinating actors, musicians, authors, artists and CEO's. It's been a joy!
40. I enjoy surprising people with gifts!
41. As a kid, I always enjoyed making people laugh (and still do)!
42. I love warmer climates.
43. It's never too late for dreams to come true or to reinvent yourself!
44. I thrive on challenges and meeting new people!
45. I have less than a handful of regrets in life.
46. The Gift of Music to a Child and the Supportiveness to Learn it is Precious! I enjoy playing guitar.
47. Silly Humor harms no one and is healthy!
48. "What could be better than to reach out your hand to someone less fortunate than yourself?" --Paul Newman (1925-2008)
49. I've been blessed with many great friends!
50. If I have had a positive affect on one child before I turn 100, my life will have been a success!
posted by Michael Manning @ 12:00 AM
